South Africa: Western Cape: Robertson

Robertson heart and start of Route 62

Situated in the shadow of the majestic Langeberg mountains with the Breede River as its life blood, Robertson is the western gateway to the Route 62, that takes travellers from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, alternatively to the Garden Route (N2). Robertson is heart and start of this dramatic drive up to the Kleine Karoo. Only 1 ˝ hours away from Cape Town, Robertson is that part of the Cape Winelands which is situated “over the mountains”. In fact, coming from the mother city, you cross the Du Toitskloof Pass or you take the tunnel on the N1 to end up in that wonderful area dominated by the Breede River.

With 150 years of history Robertson has grown into one of the most attractive Cape Winelands’ towns, with Victorian buildings, jacaranda-lined streets and beautiful gardens. The region may be best known for its wine but the variety of attractions and activities combined with spectacular scenery and the relaxed hospitality of the people ensure visitors an unforgettable stay.

Robertson, a still mainly Afrikaans speaking town, was founded in 1853 and named after Scottish Dutch Reformed Church Minister, Dr William Robertson. Farming and wagon building were the town's main industry at this time. However, after the Anglo Boer War of 1898, the wagon making industry went down as the railways took over the transport of all goods. Robertson became famous for its ostrich farming, however the industry collapsed shortly after World War 1 and at this stage farmers switched to wine and fruit farming. This together with the world renowned racehorse breeding farms, have added to the prosperity of Robertson and the whole Breede River Valley.

Robertson is well known for its tree-lined streets and colourful gardens. Vineyards are banked with beautiful roses, columns of red and yellow cannas as well as bright bougainvilleas. The drive from Robertson to Bonnievale on the R 317 is just spectacular and takes visitors along the winding Breede River to famous and/or emerging wineries as Major’s Hill, Springfield, Bon Courage (chosen overall best value cellar 2008 by Wine Magazine), Viljoensdrift, De Wetshof and Weltevrede. The Robertson Winery is the third biggest producer of wine countrywide and Graham Beck’s bubbly is famous, also overseas. All together the Robertson Wine Valley counts almost fifty members.

Tourism in Robertson is growing with local and international visitors enjoying the area for its excellent value-for-money-wines and free tastings all over. Other attractions are the Dassieshoek and Vrolijkheid nature reserves, game drives at Pat Busch Nature Reserve, river cruises at Viljoensdrift and Kolgans, horse riding at Nerina Farm, several hiking trails in and outside town, rafting on the Breede River, cactus and botanical gardens and the Silwerstrand Golf, reopening beginning of 2008 as a 18 hole course. Plenty of accommodation is available in different price ranges, from self catering to luxury B&B.

Robertson, Western Cape Weather Today


Information and pictures provided by Robertson Tourism

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