DAY TRIPPING TO THE

Rambling Around ROBERTSON

We take a fun- lled trip to the BEAUTIFUL ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY

Weltevrede Wine Estate

If you're looking for a wine route with all the trimmings, the Robertson wine valley is all that and a bag of chips. Known as the country's longest wine route, you can visit 36 wineries, discover hundreds of delicious wines and enjoy one of the many popular wine festivals on o er. And just a two-hour drive from Cape Town? We’re there. e wine region runs along Route62 and comprises Robertson, Bonnievale, McGregor, Ashton and Montagu. e wineries sit pretty between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges, with the Breede River twisting its way through the region. Instagram here we come. e truth is, the Robertson Wine Valley has not always been famous for a variety of wine styles. Initially, a one-trick pony only known for its dessert wines. But, we’re happy to report that the region has undergone a wine evolution in the last 20 or so years. We saw a welcome move away from distilling wine varieties as wine farmers began to plant the Big 6: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. So now you'll nd popular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blancs and Cap Classiques, along with tasty reds: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Another positive change to the valley? e introduction of boutique wine estates to the area—bringing exceptional quality wines and welcoming family-run farms.

So plan a visit. e vineyards will wow you in spring and autumn (and summer if you don't mind the heat), which is a great SOUTH AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR time to enjoy a river cruise along the Breede River too.

1. AN HONOURABLE MENTION

Set in the heart of the Robertson Valley, SPRINGFIELD ESTATE is a family-run wine farm owned by ninth-generation descendants of French Huguenots. Rumour has it that they came to South Africa from the Loire in 1688 with bundles of vines under their arms. e farm has been in the family since 1898 and today uses a combination of sometimes risky winemaking techniques, traditional methods and modern technology. With a sense of practicality and dogged determination borne from living o the land all their lives, the Bruwer family can handcra wine true to its motto: Made on Honour.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: You can enjoy informal wine tastings here. ere's no need to book—a tasting fee of R80.00 for any ve wines. ere are also hour-long cellar tours on weekdays, where you can see how an authentic working cellar operates right through the year. Cellar tours are free of charge. www.springfieldestate.com

2. ONE OF THE FIRSTS

Wide-open spaces, beautiful mountain views and world-class wines are waiting to welcome you to RIETVALLEI WINE ESTATE. Rietvallei is counted among South Africa's oldest family-owned wine estates and was one of the rst wine farms established in the Robertson area. e manor house, built in 1940, was the home of the Burger family for many years and has been remodelled and transformed into a new tasting centre, venue facilities and o ces. e estate's ne selection of award-winning wines has been carefully selected and positioned over the years, slowly building up its award-winning portfolio.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: Wines are available for tasting and partner perfectly with delicious cheese platters. You can also try a Belgian chocolate pairing experience, pairing six Rietvallei classic wines with six unique Belgian chocolate creations. www.rietvallei.co.za

3. THE LIVING IS EASY

e VAN LOVEREN ESTATE has been in the Retief family since 1937, when Hennie Retief Snr. acquired the land and named it a er Christiena van Loveren, an ancestor of his new bride, Jean van Zyl. From humble beginnings Van Loveren has grown to become South Africa's leading family-owned winery—known for its consistency, award-winning wines and innovation.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: Enjoy food and wine pairings, pod tastings and giant chess. ere are also cellar and garden tours, bird watching and delicious dining (including wood- red pizza) at Christina's Bistro inside the Manor House or in the beautiful, lush garden. ere are also hiking, mountain bike trails and trail run tracks for the more adventurous. www.vanloveren.co.za

4. MAKE YOUR OWN WINE

e De Wet family have farmed at EXCELSIOR ESTATE, in the Robertson Wine Valley, since 1859. If you've ever contemplated making wine, then you have to visit Excelsior Wine Estate and attempt to make your own red blend.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: Try your hand at making your own red wine blend. First, you'll taste the three wines on o er to blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Next, you'll tinker with your mixture according to your preferences. Once done, you even get to bottle and label your creation as a keepsake. If you would instead leave the winemaking to the pros, we recommend tasting the Reserve range, especially a glass of the Evanthuis Cabernet Sauvignon. And, if you're looking for a place to stay, the Excelsior Manor Guesthouse o ers luxury accommodation right on the farm. www.www.excelsior.co.za

5. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

What started once as a simple vegetable farm has developed into the much-loved

ESONA BOUTIQUE WINE ESTATE as it is known today. Esona's Old Cellar, with its underground fermentation tanks (kuips) takes you back to the former years of winemaking.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: e upstairs bistro has a small but enticing menu that focuses on supporting local products for platters and sandwiches. It also has a large deck surrounded by vineyards, overlooking the Breede River with views of the mountains. Standard tastings are done on the deck or inside, in front of the re on cold days. For a unique wine tasting experience, taste underground in the wine fermentation cement tanks of the farm's 95-year-old building. en, become an educated wine fundi by comparing two vintages of the single vineyard limited release wines. ere is also a Riedel glass pairing with Lindt chocolates and local preserves. Yum! www.esona.co.za

GRAHAM BECK ESTATE is one of South Africa's leading family-owned estates, and they have purposefully endeavoured to produce South Africa's nest Méthode Cap Classique. And we're forever grateful. e estate believes in championing its farming community's development and progressive growth and is a leader in the restoration and ecological sustainability of the fragile South African ecosystem. e tasting room facilities feature eye-catching and distinctive architecture, while the structure blends e ortlessly into the surrounding veld.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: e winery walls showcase an impressive local and international art collection and you can taste the iconic range of Cap Classiques while admiring the art. ere are also harvest platters to enjoy with locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, freshly baked breads and a host of accompaniments. www.grahambeck.com

7. WELL SATISFIED

WELTEVREDE WINE ESTATE is set apart by its adventurous wines and gorgeous surroundings. e Weltevrede label was established as a wine brand in the 1940s with an o cial Weltevrede trademark registry in February 1950, making Weltevrede one of the oldest South African wine brands still owned and run by the same family. Today, the tradition is carried on by the 4th generation owner and winemaker, Philip Jonker, who has a passion for producing world-class Chardonnay. e name 'Weltevrede' means 'Well satis ed' or 'to be content'.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: Experience Robertson from underground at Weltevrede with a guided tour of the tunnels. It includes a wine tasting by candlelight in the cisterns built generations ago with stones brought up from the Breede River by donkey cart. If you'd prefer making to tasting, you can produce your very own bottle of Cap Classique to take home. www.weltevrede.com

7

Home to the Viljoen family, VILJOENSDRIFT’S wine-making heritage dates back to 1818, when their French Huguenot forefathers rst planted vines. Today brothers Fred and Manie Viljoen continue this proud tradition, producing award-winning wines with global appeal. e terroir lends itself well to the growing of noble varietals such as Shiraz, Pinotage and Chardonnay. In 1998 a er 30 years of supplying grapes to the local co-op, they have since re-aligned Viljoensdri 's focus to own label production and entered the marketplace, locally and internationally, with resounding success.

WHAT'S ON OFFER: Wine tourists can expect much more than just a taste of distinctive wines. You can also enjoy an inspirational riverside experience, including a relaxing boat trip on the waters of the Breede River, a taste adventure from the deli and a gourmet picnic on the banks of the river. www.viljoensdrift.co.za

AND THEN THERE'S MORE…

Enough with vineyards? Here are some other things to explore:

PAUL RENÉ MCC SPLASH OF PINK FESTIVAL, EVERY OCTOBER

Arrive in style—with a splash of pink— and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of the home of Paul Renè at the Wonderfontein farm. Here's your chance to experience the heart and soul of authentic handcra ed Paul Renè Brut, Brut Rose and Nectar. Icecold bubbly at a special festival price will be for sale all day, together with cra gin combinations. www.paulrenemcc.co.za

MARBRIN OLIVE FARM

For a relaxed outing, visit Marbrin Olive Farm and enjoy a tasting of delicious farm-fresh olives and olive oil. is small family-run boutique olive farm is nestled in the Robertson Breede River Valley. Marbrin extracts extra virgin olive oil and processes a unique range of table olives and tapenade. So come and enjoy the ambiance of the area as well as the taste of olives and olive oil, a fruit well-known for its health bene ts. www.marbrin.co.za

ESELTJIESRUS DONKEY SANCTUARY

Did you know that donkeys are super a ectionate animals and seek out company wherever they can get it? e kids will love visiting the Donkey Sanctuary. Eseltjiesrus provides a permanent home and loving care to destitute, rescued donkeys. Get behind the cause. Find out more about their vision and how to help on their website. www.donkeysanctuary.co.za

STAY THE NIGHT: THE ROBERTSON SMALL HOTEL

For a bit of luxury while road-tripping around Robertson, e Robertson Small Hotel has more than just a bed to o er you. e hotel provides excellent ve-star service with ten rooms, a new restaurant and bar, two pool areas, a wellness room and ample gardens. www.therobertsonsmallhotel.com

FESTIVALS MONTHS TO NOTE:

February: Hands-on Harvest Festival June: Wacky Wine Weekend Festival August: Robertson Slow Festival October: Robertson Wine on the River Festival & Splash of Pink Festival

'Marbrin now also hosts a Supper Club featuring food pairings with local wines and their oils for only R350pp.'Contact Marbrin for upcoming dates.'

' e Donkey Santuary also assist with the rehabilitation of donkeys elsewhere and provide education and training. e Sanctuary's vision is to promote the welfare and status of donkeys through a culture of caring.'