From that memorable moment away upon a hilltop during Wacky Wine 2016, miles away from my deranged hospitality lifestyle I have been bitten by the small town wanderlust bug and have set my sights on truly discovering more of this Romantic town that I fell in love with, with what feels like just moments ago.
From the 9 – 11 August experience the charm of country life in an intimate setting characterised by each farm’s unique personal touch. One can sample honest, old-fashioned and rural hospitality while enjoying time-honoured activities, interact with wine-makers and wine-farmers in an informal ambience, getting to know them and their respective families.
Just a few weeks to go and I think it’s time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life at the Robertson Slow food & wine festival.
Indulge in traditional cuisine, using local ingredients, learning more about wine in masterclasses and various food and wine pairings.
Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will rejuvenate your soul.
From intimate dinners for 10 and lazy lunches for many the options and festivities are endless.
Looking for accommodation near Robertson during the Robertson Slow festival?
WINDFALL SELF CATERING COTTAGES
This quaint up and coming winery and accommodation is situated in “Robertson” I say “Robertson” for the mere fact that these wit huisies are humbly perched in the Agterkliphoogte Valley towards neighbouring town McGregor.
There are 5 cottages and from what I can tell in the distance each of them is named after wine varietals produced on the farm and each have their own identity and sized premises that could either suit a single traveller such as myself or a family of four, with friends maybe more.
The cottages are simple, but by no means short of any of the necessities one would need for a breakaway (rustic) retreat in Robertson. The Windfall cottages are fitted with a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, private bathrooms and outdoor braai areas.
The Windfall self-catering cottages overlook the dam and have a backdrop of the Agterkliphoogte mountain range. There is also a swimming pool as well as ample parking. There’s TV for those who would be silly enough not to be outside lazily lounging on the law or on a colder afternoon sipping their delicious Kibali and the outdoor fireplace/braai.
The Kibali being a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon / Tinta Amarella / Shiraz varietals. A specially curated offering to celebrate the commissioning of a gold mine in the DRC on budget and ahead of schedule which holds the same name; Kibali.
A fantastic wine with a great story in that a significant portion of the proceeds of all sales of the will go to the Nos Vies en Partage Foundation.
A charity fund established by Randgold to advance social upliftment projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
For those looking to explore wineries in the area. These are a few that we visited on our two-day stay;
Lords Wine Estate (on the road to nowhere)
The Roberston region and it’s farmers seem to have a thing or cricket, from Eddie Barlow “who noticed the mist cascading down the surrounding mountains of Robertson” birthing the name Winfall Wind farm to Lords Wine Estate custodian Jacie Oosthuizen naming his 33ha after Lord’s Home of Cricket – in North West London. Their Brut MCC is a winner!
Weltevrede
Owned by the Jonker family, Weltevrede is possibly renowned most for their Phillip Jonker range of MCCs and of course that iconic bottle curated for NelsonMandela’ss 94th Birthday.
Grapes which were sourced and discovered from Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life in incarceration. This wine being gifted to Nelson Mandela bone chillingly named- The Parable.
De Wetshof:
Besides the wine, this stately styled estate and home is nothing short of awe-inspiring the cellar façade being based on the renowned and historic First Customs House in Cape Town is in a valley of roses surrounded with humble simplicity when it comes to architecture.
It’s no surprise that this manicured manor was the first registered home of The Robertson Valley and arguably the most famous farm for Chardonnay.
Viljoensdrift;
Best known for its sunset riverboat cruises with wine, a great way to finish a day of wine tasting in the valley before heading back to Windfall for a siesta and perhaps a braai later in the evening.
For More information about Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival:
For A Detailed Programme Visit them HERE
