Dubbed the ‘valley of vines and roses’ and historically known for the breeding of champion racehorses, the Robertson district’s lime-rich soils make it eminently suitable for winegrowing. Many of the farms have been owned by the same family for generations. The Robertson district runs along the Breede River between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges. The valley offers many attractions and exciting outdoor activities, from river cruises to rafting, hiking and mountain biking. Robertson has the third most vineyard plantings in South Africa. Plantings of Colombard account for the most hectarage of white-wine varieties, followed by Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. The most widely planted red wine varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage. Robertson is renowned for the quality of its wines. Traditionally considered white wine territory and known mainly for its Chardonnay and more recently for the quality of its Sauvignon blanc, Robertson it is also increasingly being recognised for its fine red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The district also produces stand-out Méthode Cap Classiques, as well as the distinctive fortified dessert wines for which it was originally famed.
