Robertson Small Vineyard Experience

The Robertson Wine Valley is one of the most underrated destinations anywhere in South Africa. A warm climate region blessed with rolling hills, historic mountain ranges and more impressively; an array of single cultivar vineyards. Escape the city for 2 days and 1 night of pure wine tasting delight. The Small Vineyards Experience focuses on winemakers and wineries who specialize in small batch, passion-driven wines you wouldn’t necessarily find on your local supermarket shelf. 6 different tasting experiences, an overnight cottage or glamping setting, a luxury SUV(s) and your own private guide, this a fun-filled, intimate tasting experience.

Day 1 - SOUTHERN VALLEY

• Departing Cape Town or Stellenbosch at 7:30 am we’ll head directly east and over Sir Lowry’s mountain pass. A quick coffee and breakfast on the go stop at the most loved farm stall in South Africa. Peregrines is a celebration of locally sourced delicacies and treats, most famous for their venison pie, fresh fruits and pastries.

• Our first tasting destination is upon us by 10:30am as we arrive at Lozarn Wine Estate. Winemaker Salóme Buys-Vermeulen is one of the most daring winemakers in the region. The first to ever plant the Chilean themed Carménère Rose in South Africa, it’s this varietal among others that she speaks so fondly of: “After a full circle of seasons in the vineyard… you get to bottle your love and passion and share that vintage with others… Forever captured.” We’ll taste 5 different wines as a solid start to the tour.

• Arendsig Wine Estate is our next stop. Prepare yourself for one of the more extensive wine tastings of the trip. Lourens van der Westhuizen is a laidback, easy going character but one very serious winemaker. These are phenomenal single vineyard wines that truly reflect a sense of place. The unique soil composition of together with the sun, wind and holistic climatic conditions combine to create 8 memorable wines both white and red. The tasting ‘room’ is set on a veranda and overlooks the vineyards with the Langerberg mountains as the backdrop.

• Lunch is up next as we visit Caryl’s Bistro at Esona Vineyards. The small but enticing menu is complimented by views over both their vineyards and the regions most loved Breede River. Platters, sandwiches and wraps are the order of the day here as we fuel up for our final tasting of the day. View Menu.

• The final tasting of Day 1 is at the epic Silverthorn Wines. Husband and wife team John and Karen Loubser have created a heaven-on-earth like location on the banks of the Breede River. John is a member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild; a club reserved for the very best at their craft. Specializing in Sparkling Wines (bubbly), John and Karen provide a tasting of 5 truly great wines. Silverthorn’s terroir, with its rocky, lime-rich, shale soils share a strong similarity with the famous Champagne soils in France. The astronomic story-telling and imagery based tasting is a feature that truly sets the Silverthorn experience apart.

• Our overnight accommodation is based in glamping structures, farm cottages or a farmhouse where your guide will prepare a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) coupled with tasty side dishes. (Vegetarian + vegan options available). In true local fashion, everyone on tour gets involved in the braai. Someone on drinks, another in front of the grill and others in charge of side dishes, this is loads of fun as we create and share an enjoyable meal together.

Day 2 - NORTHERN & EASTERN VALLEY

• After breakfast at our accommodation we take a dirt road to the north eastern corner of the valley. Up in the mountains we arrive at Kleinhoekkloof Wines. Unknown and undiscovered to us until fairly recently this quite simply a hidden gem that wants to stay that way. Self-taught and unpretentious winemaker Theunis de Jongh turned his retirement dream into a reality with the purchase of the farm in 2004. The ideal place for the wine, food and nature lover seeking an authentic and peaceful countryside experience. Perched up against the mountain, making wines that truly reflect the terroir. Sure, it’s off the beaten path, but once there you will feel like you’re lost. Perfectly lost.

• Mont Blois Wine Estate is our next stop of Day 2. In the words of the winemaker: “we strive to reward the wine lover with wine of rare balance, elegance, distinction & finesse” . Taste up to 5 wines in their cozy and beautifully designed tasting room or sit out on the lawns and take in the morning sun. The farm is named after the picturesque town of Blois in the Loire where the Bruwer’s came from. Owner Ernst Bruwer took over from his Grandfather Ernst Bruwer Snr. He believed in sustainable farming and that older vineyards should be cared for.

• Our final stop of the tour sees us travel on gravel one last time as we kiss the Langeburg mountains again in search of the Saggy Stone Brewery. Their philosophy is simple; to create damn good beer using fresh spring mountain water. Brothers Phillip and Adrian’s experiences as bakers that ensured they perfected the art of all-grain brewing. Pure, moss-filtered spring water that flows over the smoothest granite, is the key to a great tasting craft beer, this is their thing absolutely. The Saggy Stone grill restaurant serves up a variety of proper pub and grub style meals with a tinge of sophistication about them. The region’s best pizza is on offer too. Beer tasting or a late lunch first, the choice is yours before we make the 90 minute trip back to Cape Town.

Included:

• Pick up and drop off from accommodation / airport /central point

• Snack pack filled with South African treats

• 1 X night accommodation

• Private qualified guide

• Wine tasting at Lozarn Wines (5 wines)

• Wine tasting at Arendsig Wines (8 wines)

• Wine tasting and cellar tour at Silverthorn Wines (4 wines)

• Wine tasting and cellar tour at Kleinhoekkloof Wines (6 wines)

• Wine tasting at Mont Blois Wine Estate (4 wines)

• Brewery visit and tasting at Saggy Stone Mountain Brewery (5 beers)

• Braai dinner at the end of day 1

• Continental breakfast on day 2

• On-board drinking water on both days

• Transportation in luxury SUV

Not Included:

• Additional food and beverages

• Meals not mentioned above

• Additional wine experiences at above locations

What to bring:

• A camera to take awesome photos!

• Spending money to buy gifts for those at home

• Sun cream

• Warmer clothes for the winter months

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Lots of positivism and good feels!

Host / Vendor:

Your host will be Blaine Smith or Ryan Louw, local South African tourist guides. Blaine has lived in 6 of South Africa’s 9 different provinces and currently ventures all over the country on various expeditions. Ryan chose to make the Western Cape his home after a stint up north, you won’t find a bigger patriot for his country anywhere else! Both are extremely well traveled, with a wealth of knowledge and an unrivaled passion for local travel, you’ll be in the best of South African hands.

Difficulty Level & Special Requests

• The physical activity of this tour is low, it is however advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes

• Inform us if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any other dietary restrictions

*A 50% deposit is needed to secure your tour, view our cancellation policy here
*All tours are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR) and are valid from March 2020
*Please inquire about children here

Click here to see our additional terms and conditions