Robertson – known as the “ small town with a big heart” – lies at the centre of the picturesque Robertson Wine Valley on Route 62. The town has chalked up 150 years of history, and shows off beautiful old Victorian buildings, jacaranda-lined streets, eye-soothing vineyards and bright splashes of bougainvillea. Wine and its accompanying culinary delights are just one aspect of the area’s enormous appeal – there are so many other drawcards too.
First things first: a fabulous place to stay in Robertson is The Robertson Small Hotel – a five-star, boutique-style country haven with ten large luxury en-suite bedrooms, a gourmet restaurant Reuben’s at The Robertson, a wellness centre, and lovely pool-garden. If you fancy a taste of the finer things of life out in the countryside, this is the place for you!
Here’s the Low-Down on What-To-Do in Robertson:
Birding Route @ Van Lovere
Tel: 0236151505
Mobile: 0718980104
Address: From Robertson on route to Bonnievale on R317
The birding route in and around the Van Loveren Gardens takes about two hours. The environment is safe and restful, and also suitable for amblers who shy away from anything strenuous. A section of the path meanders alongside the Breede River under bluegums.
Trading hours
Monday – Friday: 08h30 – 17h00
Saturday: 09h30 – 13h30
Public Holidays: 09h30 – 15h00
Sunday: CLOSED
Klaasvoogds Game Reserve
Tel: 0236266115
Mobile: 0829567830
Address: 12km from Robertson, Klaasvoogds West.
On offer are guided game drives in a 800ha reserve situated in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain Range. Enjoy game sightings and exquisite views of the mountains and valley.
Robertson Birding
Tel: 0837428162
Approximately 250 bird species, and best visited during the flower season from July to November. Collect a free birding route brochure at the Robertson Tourism bureau.
Viljoensdrift River Cruises & Picnics
Tel: 0236151017
Address: R317, Bonnievale Road, Between Robertson and Bonnievale
Offers wine tastings and 1-hour boat cruises. The boat trips usually start at 12h00. Create your own picnic from delectable items on the deli menu, and enjoy the feast on the boat or on our riverside deck. Booking for boat cruises is essential.
Trading hours
Monday – Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00
Rafting Route 62
Tel: 0236261280
Mobile: 0724475991
Address: 4 Dordrecht Ave, Robertson.
The Breede River is magnificently scenic, and gentle enough for first-timers, with enough small rapids to make it exciting. Have your fill of fabulous mountain scenery and abundant bird life.
Trading hours
7 days a week by advance booking
Robertson Museum
Tel: 0236263681
Address: Paul Kruger Street, Robertson
This Victorian House Museum contains all sorts of relics of Robertson’s history and showcases a unique collection of antique handmade lace.
Trading hours
Monday – Saturday: 09h00-12h00
Fish Eagle Trail
Tel: 0236151505 / 0236151505
Address: Van Loveren Wine Estate on R317 between Robertson and Bonnievale
An 8.5km hiking trail starts on Van Loveren Wine Estate, crosses the Breede River and ascends up the Rooikrans with breathtaking views of the valley.
Skydive Robertson
Tel: 0214625666
Mobile: 0834625666
Address: Robertson Airfield
Skydiving at Robertson Airfield on selected weekends. Static Line Training & Tandem Jumps.
Farmers’ Market
Tel: 0783827047
Mobile: 0783827047
Address: Robertson Tourism Office, Cnr Voortrekker & Reitz Street.
Join the Robertson community and enjoy great coffee, cakes, pies, crafts, sweets, organic produce, breakfast buns and more.
Trading hours
Every 2nd and last Saturday of the month from 09h00 – 12h00
Robertson Golf Club
Tel: 0236261090
Address: 2km from Robertson, Silwerstrand.
This championship 18-hole golf course has excellent greens and breathtaking views.
Open 7 days a week
Van Loveren Gardens
Tel: 0236151505
Mobile: 0718980104
Address: From Robertson on route to Bonnievale on R317
A beautiful shady garden, in which many of the trees were planted to commemorate special occasions. Meet specimens that represent historical events, political figures, grandchildren and a variety of events. Collect your ‘tree stories list’ from reception, and listen out for the “whispering”.
Trading hours
Monday – Friday: 08h30 – 17h00
Saturday: 09h30 – 13h30
Public Holidays: 10h00 – 15h00
Robertson Riding School
Tel: 0722917631
Mobile: 0824027088
Tours on horse & carriage to wineries for wine tasting; outrides through vineyards and along the banks of the Breede River; riding lessons for adults and children.
Township Tours
Tel: 0788183086
Mobile: 0788183086
Address: Nqubela, Robertson
Take a guided township tour, taste African cuisine, view traditional activities such as Gum Boot dances, choirs etc. Visit a Sangoma, see the street children project.
Igadi OLive Oil
Tel: 0236262028
Mobile: 0824485393
Address: Klaasvoogds West, Robertson
Olive Oil tasting and tours by appointment
Klipdrift Brandy Distillery
Tel: 0236263027
Mobile: 0823379648
Address: 4 Voortrekker Street, Robertson
Guided tours and tastings.
Trading hours
Monday – Friday: 08h00 – 17h00
Saturday & Public Holiday: 09h00 – 16h00
Sunday (October – April): 10h00 – 15h00
Tour Biking
Bike Hire 023 626 5788 Robertson. Pre-Booking essential.
Dharma Centre: Home of Contemporary Zen in Africa
The centre was started by Heila and Rodney Downey in 1981 in Somerset West, and at the end of 1995 it relocated to Robertson.For more information http://www.dharmacentre.org.za/
Mail us for info and bookings, or call 021 797-7122.
