Robertson
Description
Robertson is a small town in the Western Cape, situated along the renowned Cape Route 62. Explore the Robertson Wine Valley, known as the “valley of wine and rosesâ€, surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains, beautiful valleys, endless vineyards, and a patchwork of farmlands. Experience Robertson by booking a stay at one of our excellent accommodations.
Robertson was founded in 1853 and named after the Scottish Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, Dr William Robertson. Situated in the fertile Robertson Valley, farming and wagon building were the town’s original industries. However, after the second Anglo-Boer War of 1899, the wagon industry collapsed and railways took over the transport of all goods. Robertson subsequently became famous for ostrich farming which then also collapsed shortly after World War l. The farmers finally turned to wine and fruit farming, and later introduced a number of racehorse stud farms. Today, agriculture remains the mainstay of Robertson’s economy.
The town of Robertson is well-known for its beauty. A stroll through the town will lead you past red and yellow cannas and bright bougainvillea. Houses and gardens are flanked by beautiful roses and mauve jacaranda trees offer shade in season. Amongst the houses in Robertson, a number of accommodations offer “home away from home†comfort, from quaint B&Bs to modern guest houses.
Tourism in Roberson has greatly increased, first and foremost due to its award-winning wine industry. The town has seen a growth from under 25 wine cellars in 1995 to over 50 registered wine cellars in Robertson today. Wine cellars to visit in Robertson include Graham Beck, Springfield, Bon Cap, Excelsior Estate, and boutique wineries such as Rosendal and Fraai Uitzicht. Brandy tastings and tours are available at the Klipdrift distillery. Keep an eye on the calendar for events such as the Robertson Wacky Wine Weekend, Robertson Slow, and Robertson Wine-on-the-River.
Robertson is fast becoming one of the pioneering areas for organic farm products. Olives and a range of fruit, from oranges and grapes, to strawberries and peaches are grown locally, and Robertson’s farm stalls offer fresh produce, dried fruit, homemade breads, jams, and preserves. Stop off at Affie Plaas Farm Stall for wine at cellar prices and great gifts to take home.
Robertson is steeped in history and boasts several national monuments. Spend some time visiting the Pink Church (1859), the Robertson Museum (1860), the Edwardian-style house on Piet Retief Street (1904), the Victorian-style house on Van Reeneen Street (1914), and the Powder House, used to store gunpowder.
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the Arangieskop trail at Dassieshoek Nature Reserve and trails through the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve while they're in Robertson. Places of interest in Robertson include the Sheilam Cacti and Succulent Garden, Soekershof Private Maze and Botanical Garden, and Bird's Paradise, featuring a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and a play park. Other activities in Robertson include olive tasting, cheese tasting, boat cruises, canoeing, horse riding, and skydiving at Robertson Airfield, the oldest remaining skydiving club in South Africa.
Make the most of your visit by booking an exceptional accommodation in Robertson.
