Congratulations to our lucky Cape {town} Etc winners: Denise Simons, Fathima Kathree, Charlotte Pretorius and Pivendren Naik. We hope you all have an enchanting escape to Robertson!
Tucked away in the top right-hand corner of the Cape Winelands District, is the lovely Langeberg and its towns of Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Montagu.
The towns have a rich history, which is reflected in the majestic church situated in the centre of Robertson, the art nouveau-style Montagu Country Hotel and the many cottages and homesteads scattered across the area inviting you to experience an authentic countryside stay.
However, it is also the plethora of activities on offer, the deep love of community and the incredible natural beauty of the area that make visitors feel as if they have come home.
Also read: Stretch your legs in the Langeberg
Each town has its own unique charm and offers a hint of the variety of places and activities available in the area. In a series of features, Cape {town} Etc will be exploring some of the hidden gems of Montagu, McGregor and Robertson.
Situated at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and within the fertile Breede River valley, Robertson is a visitor’s paradise, surrounded by vineyards and orchards that stretch from the outlying farmlands into the very heart of the town.
From cottage stays, tours and tastings to a picnic-style river cruise and more, Langeberg District is giving Cape {town} Etc readers a chance to win some unique experiences to explore the best of Robertson.
Riverbend Olive Farm
For those yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Riverbend Olive Farm offers a number of self-catering cottages, some situated on the banks of the Breede River and surrounded by the picturesque setting of olive groves and mountains.
Riverbend’s modern River Cottage boasts two ensuite bedrooms equipped with electric blankets to chase away the winter chill. The cottage, with its open-plan, eat-in kitchen and lounge area, is adorned with a wrap-around wooden deck and outside seating area featuring a fire pit fit for braaing.
Viljoensdrift River Cruises
Meander along the cool waters of the Breede River while toasting the good life with a glass of Viljoensdrift fine wines on board their elegant flat-bottomed river boat named Uncle Ben 2.
The approximately 50-minute cruise along the river, flanked by indigenous Breede River Yellowwood and Wild Olive trees and serenaded by the songs of a variety of bird species, sets the scene for an idyllic riverside experience.
To top it all off, indulge in a picnic basket filled to the brim with sumptuous fare from Viljoensdrift’s deli, including delicacies like freshly-baked ciabatta with pâté, ostrich carpaccio, applewood-smoked chicken or olives with a hint of garlic, bay and oregano.
Riverton Stud’s Wine Down Cottage
Where the ever-changing moods of the sky are reflected in the dam water, lies the perfect couple’s hideaway for those looking to get lost in the countryside to reconnect and recharge: Riverton Stud’s Wine Down Cottage.
The one-bedroom cottage is equipped with both an indoor braai and a dining room that opens out to a sheltered patio, perfect for winding down. Joined to the cottage is a little outdoor reading nook and an office area with a stunning view of the dam for those who still need to get some work done.
Riverton Stud is also a working farm and home to one of the top thoroughbred horse breeding studs in South Africa. Foaling season begins in August and runs until mid-November. While it’s not guaranteed, you may be lucky enough to witness a mare giving birth.
Owl’s Rest Products
Owl’s Rest is a boutique Olive and Lavender Farm and the home of Owl’s Products. Aside from producing award-winning olive oil and other olive products, the farm also cultivates and distils lavender, rose geranium and rosemary to produce pure essential oils and hydrosols to produce some of the finest house and beauty products.
Go for a short tour to learn a little about the world of olive farming and essential oils distillation, and stay for a delicious opportunity to taste the olive oil, olives and other tasty food products produced at the farm.
While you’re there, be sure to relax in the tranquil garden among the olive trees and sip on Owl Product’s famous cordial drinks while digging into freshly-baked lavendar muffins.
Wine Valley Safari
Just a short drive outside Cape Town lies the Robertson Wine Valley. Known as the world’s longest wine route, it runs along the scenic Route 62 following the Langkloof. It’s made up of the towns of Robertson, Bonnievale, McGregor, Ashton and Montagu.
The full Big 6 grape varietals are available here among award-winning wines. The ultimate way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the countryside is with a Golden Mile Wine Valley Safari, of course.
Tierhoek Organic Farm and Cottages
A family-run Farm-to-Fork organic fruit farm teeming with delicious treasures such as apricots, peaches, lemons, veggies and more, Tierhoek is the epitome of a tranquil countryside escape.
Peaceful, private and tucked away in the heart of the farm, Tierhoek offers an array of self-catering cottages that range from 2- to 10-sleepers. Each cottage is fully equipped and elegantly furnished, featuring a private pool, wide verandahs, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, as well as soul-stilling vistas of the surrounding orchards.
Graham Beck Tasting Room
A Graham Beck Tasting Room experience offers a delight for the senses. With an impressive collection of local and international art adorning its walls, coupled with unadulterated vistas from the dramatic windows, the Tasting Room offers an immersive experience into the world of Cap Classique.
The Glass Act experience raises the bar in showcasing the dynamic, yet delicate, relationship between sparkling wine and stemware with the use of their exceptional complementary glassware, each ideally suited to complement the individual styles and versatility of the Graham Beck Cap Classique portfolio.
What you can WIN:
Prize One:
- Riverbend Olive Farm – 1x two-night River Cottage stay for up to four people, with a factory tour and tasting
- Viljoensdrift River Boat – Boat trip for four people, including a picnic basket with picnic-style snacks and two bottles of Muskapino
Prize Two:
- Riverton Stud – 1x two-night farm stay for two people in the Wine Down Cottage (valid until March 2024)
- Owl’s Products – A farm tour and tasting (olive oil, olives and other food products produced at the farm), including Owl’s famous cordial drinks and home-baked lavender muffins
Prize Three:
- Riverton Stud – 1x three-night farm stay for two people in the Wine Down Cottage (valid until March 2024)
- Wine Valley Safari – one set of double tickets for a Golden Mile Wine Valley Safari Tour experience
Prize Four:
- Tierhoek Cottage – 1x two-night stay in a one-bedroom cottage for two people (valid for six months from issue)
- Graham Beck – 1x Delux Cap Classique & Glass Act Tasting for two people
Competition ends Monday, 24 July (winners will be contacted on the same day).
Keep an eye out for Cape {town} Etc’s upcoming features on the Langeberg, where more great prizes are to be won!
Ts and Cs:
Accommodation:
- The prize is applicable for two adults sharing, any children may be charged additionally.
- All non-specified food and drinks are for the winner’s cost.
- In the event of self-catering accommodation; all food and drinks should be supplied by the winner.
- The prizes are valid for three months (unless specifically indicated or the winner makes other arrangements with the owner of the accommodation) from the date of issue.
- The prize is subject to availability and the winner is to engage directly with the owner to find a mutually agreed-upon date for the prize to be redeemed.
- The prize is not redeemable for cash.
- All transport is excluded.
Restaurant/Meals/Activities:
- The prize is not redeemable for cash.
- All transport is excluded.
- Bookings should be made directly with the restaurant/venue.
How to enter:
To stand a chance of winning one of these awesome prizes, simply submit your details below.