Tucked away in ‘the valley of wine and roses’, romantic Robertson is the kind of small town you can’t help but fall in love with. From the bougainvillaea and jacaranda trees lining its streets, to the Victorian houses dotted across the town, this little hamlet in the Robertson Valley exudes a quaint charm that will make you want to stop and explore rather than just drive right on through.

Thanks to its 50-plus wine estates and its status as a stop on South Africa’s Brandy Route, this small town has more than earned its place among the big boys of the Cape Winelands. The region is renowned for its signature dessert wines, but Robertson’s white and red wines are also exceedingly popular. Top off your wine tour with a hike on the Arangieskop trail, a visit to the valley’s successful racehorse studs, or a tour of the town’s historic buildings.

Originally a sheep-and-cattle town, Robertson turned its attention to wine-farming thanks to its unique terroir. The valley’s soil is a blend of sand and red Karoo clay and - because of the valley’s relatively dry conditions - it is also the largest area in South Africa where wine is produced under irrigation.

Robertson Highlights

  • Over 50 popular wine estates are found in the valley
  • Robertson is a stop along South Africa’s Brandy Route, one of the longest wine routes in the world
  • Sample the town’s signature dessert wines, hanepoot and muscadel
  • Home to one of the country’s top racehorse studs
  • Be sure to buy some of the local cheese, olives, and organic produce
  • Stunning town dotted by Victorian houses with jacaranda and bougainvillaea trees lining its streets

Best time to go
Robertson

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Robertson

  • It's very easy. Coming from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek's main towns are about one hour's drive from Central Cape Town and about 30 mins from the Airport. We recommend renting a car in this area, as it is the easiest and most convenient way to explore the area. Alternatively, we can suggest transfer services in this area too.

  • The Winelands is pretty much a year-round destination, with each season having something special to offer. In wintertime, it's cosy with fireplaces and warm comfortable settings. In summer, you have fantastic weather and crisp clear skies. During autumn you have dramatic scenery with vivid colours of orange and red.

  • It would be ideal to have 2-3 nights as this would allow you to explore the area thoroughly and at a relaxed pace. This is the magic of the Winelands, you can relax on a wine estate for hours, and easily lose track of time.

  • While much of the attraction of the Cape Winelands resides in the region’s delectable cuisine and drool-worthy wines, there is also a range of activities to pair with the experience.

    Ballooning in Paarl

    The Paarl Wine Valley is primarily known for its noble red wines. A little known secret is that they pair wonderfully with a morning hot air balloon ride across the Winelands if the weather is on your side. You don’t want anything less than the perfect day when attached to a giant balloon!

    Franschhoek Wine Tram

    For the best way to get between wine tastings, look no further than the Franschhoek Wine Tram! Between the charming old-fashioned open-side tram and the open-air tram bus, guests can take in the mountainous scenery at their leisure while going through a loop of wine stops that include excellent dining options. Tickets include two complimentary tastings, and you can hop on and off as you please.

    A Historical Tour of Stellenbosch

    The town of Stellenbosch offers a delightfully sophisticated blend of history and first-class wine. Before plotting your preferred route of vineyards dotting the surrounding slopes, you may wish to embark on a walking tour, the best way to take in the second oldest European settlement in the country.

    A Bit of Hike in Constantia

    Although it is unlikely you will need to work up an appetite for wines from one of the world’s best winegrowing regions, you may wish to take a detour into the magical leafy seclusion of the Constantia Green Belt. Nine trails weave and interlink among creeper adorned trees and lances of light breaching the canopy above—a rare treat so close to a city centre!

    A tour of the treetops in Elgin

    Just an hour from Cape Town and reached via a scenic drive along the N2 that climbs Sir Lowry’s Pass before descending into a fertile valley of vineyards and orchards, Elgin is still a relatively well-kept secret. You can soar with the eagles via the Cape Canopy Tour zip lining experience and then settle down with a glass of something splendid.