The Farm dam at Rhebokskraal Olive Estate - Mc Gregor

Greetings from a Beautiful Sunny day in Cape Town,

Who said September is a quiet month?  My word it, has been a bumper month with so much to do, educational trips, visitors, tours and much more. We were hoping to wish you all a wonderful Tourism month, but when we looked again, the month was gone and we were in October.

Local Tour Operators and Guides were invited by Langberg Manicipality to come and have an educational in their region that covers: Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor, Montagu and Robertson, visiting some of their Wine Estates and so on.  Nine arrived  early at Excelsior Wine Estate to board our transport provided by Swanns.  We set off for our first visit of the area to “Klipdrift Brand Cellar’. Brandy at 10 o’clock in morning!! Going through our minds.

Well, what a surprise…………. A wonderful breakfast awaited us at the cellar after our welcome drink of Klipdrift Red and Ginger Ale with ice.  Such a refreshing welcome drink.

After breakfast we were welcomed by Farmer Red Beard from Ashton and his charming wife who told us all about their Beekeeping,  handcrafted wines where he shares the secret art of growing grapes and making wine. Then of course their very special ‘Voortrekker’ Breakfast on their farm, where Mrs Farmer Red Beard joins you for the cooking class, where traditional South African preserves, jams and breads can be made.  This is an ideal break away for the person looking for a hands on week-end with the whole family.  You are asked to join in with the making of the bread, harvesting grapes, preparing the breakfast and much more.  What an amazing experience for the visitor. . Farmer Red Beard’s farm is a restful haven in the calmness of the Langeberg mountains a mere 120 minutes from Cape Town in the Robertson Wine Valley and ideal to rekindle  your romance with the one that you love. A body massage is followed by a sunset wine tasting in the vineyard and a farm drive to a cosy bush braai for dinner. Accommodation on the farm is in a traditional South African 18^th century built farmhouse or farm cottages. Built at the base of the Langeberg, the views are different every day and every season. The calmness of the farm is soothing. Wake up to a breakfast at a table in the vineyards…………. Farmhouse food made by Mrs Farmer Red Beard accompanies each Hands on farming event.

Should you be interested to know more about a wonderful working weekend away in the country, Contact: Farmer Red Beard - 023 615 1204 - www.farmerredbeard.co.za

We then had an interesting talk about Klein Hoek Kloof Wines and their amazing ‘Breakfast’ white wine that was presented with charcuterie tasting, garlic salami, sausage,  smoked bacon and Spanish Ham. Their wines are also exported to the Netherlands and China. After coffee/ Tea and various cupcakes also provided by Klipdrift Cellar we were introduced to the Brandy pairing of food and dessert and sweets. Over 20 eats were provided with the Brandy tasting and what a treat it was. It was absolutely fabulous how a bottle of Brandy can be paired with all these wonderful treats. We learnt a tremendous amount from this Brandy and food pairing, and will definitely be bringing around the next Tour. Rates are from R40pp – R100pp for a Cellar Tour or Brandy pairing, depending on your choice. Contact: 023 626 3027 - www.klipdrift.co.za

Robertson is sometimes called the ‘Garden of the Boland’ because of its charming gardens and Jacaranda lined streets. The town was named after Dr William Robertson, a Scottish theologian and was
establish in the year 1853 when the town was laid out on the farm ‘Over het Roode Zand’ (beyond the red sand). The town that developed is surrounded by some of the country’s most valuable land, the tract along the Breede River having been priced so highly at times that it was called the ‘Goudmyn’ (gold mine). Its fertile, lime-rich soil makes the Robertson district one of the country’s major wine-producing regions, although table grapes, dried fruit, Lucerne and racehorse breeding also contributes to the local economy. Because of the town’s vinicultural importance, it is fitting that Kilpdrift should have established their Brandewyntuin Restaurant, where mouth-watering  meals are famous for their unique Klipdrift twist.

We then did a site inspection at the Merlot Manor Guest House in Robertson.  A beautifully restored Georgian double storey house which dates back to the mid 1800’s with a wooden balcony overlooking the town and street lined with Jacaranda trees. Merlot Manor is situated in the heart of Robertson on Route 62 which offers 4 star accommodation, and is situated in a quiet tranquil residential cul-de-sac close to all amenities,  The rooms have crisp white linen with colourful cushions and matching  crochet woollen throws over the beds.  It also provides a 25 seater restaurant which is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday and caters for Dinner for their guests and locals. Contact: 023  626 5151 - www.merlotmanorguesthouse.com

Back in the vehicle after visiting Robertson, we took off for Ashton area where we went to visit Rietvallei Estates for wine tasting and a Fondue Braai on their lovely lawn with sun umbrellas. What a venue! There were round wooden tables with a large hole in the middle, which eventually turned out to be the braai area, when our Hostess brought a small round dish with hot coals and a gridiron.  This was where we each were going to braai our own meat.  Then the meat arrived, salad and rolls with garlic and butter in tinfoil. What a feast we had and the wine was flowing all the time. It was a wonderful atmosphere, great food, lovely wine, friends and beautiful weather, what more could we ask for. Do visit this amazing wine estate when you are on holiday, or just for a day visit, but remember to book well in advance. Contact: Elizabeth - 023 626 3596 - www.rietvallei.co.za

Our next stop was  Montagu, This pretty little town, was named after John Montagu who was Colonial Secretary when it was founded on the farm Uitvlugt in 1851.  It nestles in a basin bounded  by mountains at the western end of the Little Karoo. Part of its charm lies in the number of houses dating almost from its inception, some of which are national monuments. Thermal springs 3 km from the centre of town first made Montagu a centre for holidays, and the spa hotel at which the waters were exploited was instrumental in the town being officially proclaimed a health resort in 1936. Montagu also prospered during the ostrich feather boom in the early 20^th century.  Montagu is also known for its wines and orchards, and have since ensured a name for their region’s wines as well as keeping a giant fruit-canning co-operative prosperously busy. Likewise the dried fruit factory and shops. Here we visit one of the many Guest Houses, namely Mimosa Lodge which has provided accommodation since 1855.  It was recently bought in 2004 by Fida who runs the Lodge for accommodation and also Fine dining during the evening. They have 23 rooms in total and 11 of them are Garden Suites with modern furniture, beautifully decorated and very colourful. They  also provide Wifi, TV Lounge, a pool Bar  and library. Outside you have a large Karoo garden, with fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, plus a patio and various relaxing shaded areas, a summer house and a salt water (heated) pool.  For your next booking contact: Fida - 023 614 2351 - www.mimosa,co.za

Just outside Montagu we had a site inspection at a newly renovated Lodge opening very soon called Galenia Estate which will be a 5* establishment also serving fine dining in the evenings. The rooms are beautiful and each has a patio outside with amazing views over the Montagu valley. They will also be offering Olive tastings, walks and trails. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more news in due course. Contact:  Karen:  023 614 2514  www.galenia.co.za

Our next visit, was back at Excelsior Manor Guest house founded in 1859, where we had a wine tasting done by the Owner Peter de Wet at the Manor House and then served a 3 course meal made by their wonderful in house chef and Hostess Kirsten and served by James their Butler. This golden oldie homestead has been in the family for over 5 generations, so the furniture and fittings are befitting the era of this gracious homestead.  You even have a slipper bath in some of the rooms. Outside you have a beautiful garden, a superb pool area where you can also have your early morning breakfast served. Excelsior Wines offer Wine Tastings for local visitors close to the Guest House where you can overlook a lovely large dam. At their tasting facilities you are able to Blend and label your own creation of wine and your children are kept busy playing on the lovely lawn within eye sight.  They offer The Stables Conference Centre which is available for small functions and conferences.  Contact:  Kirsten 023 615 2050 www.excelsior.co.za

Our 2^nd day in this beautiful wine valley had us go through to McGregor the quaint picturesque village in the out skirts of the Robertson Wine Valley.  Originally called Lady Grey after the wife of Governor Sir George Grey, this town was renamed in honour of the Reverend Andrew McGregor who came from Scotland in 1862. The little town of McGregor with its blend of Cape Dutch and English architectural styles, has been authoritatively been described as the best-preserved and most complete example of mid-nineteenth century townscape in the Cape. The town is the centre of an area which has from its inception depended on fruit and wine production, although there was a time when it was also famous for the long bamboo whipsticks it supplied to the drivers of oxen teams all over South Africa.  Now a days it is known for its artists, potters, creative crafts and holistic retreats to name but only a few.

Our visit took us to Rhebokskraal Olive Estate, where we were welcomed by the Owner and hostess Annalien, who is a musician, artist, has a passion for olives and the country living.
Here we were introduced to a country breakfast experience after  meandering through their olive orchard, having a look at their quaint “Volkshuisie” and Dove Cottage accommodation, taking photographs and hearing all about their Horse trails and walks. Our table was ready for us on arrival with multi coloured cushions on the benches or chairs with magazines as place mats and colourful cotton serviettes. Flowers from her garden on the large table with fresh bread, homemade preserves and jams, olives etc.  Scramble eggs were made on a little gas stove outside under the trees and we could add salads, olives,  chutneys,  cheese, tomatoes or whatever we wished to make up our breakfast.  What a wonderful idea, plus coffee or tea.  When sleeping over at Rhebokskraal there will be no TV’s or radios. It is time to talk or relax. It was really a wonderful experience and everyone should have this type of breakfast when visiting McGregor. Annelien also has a little restaurant and Farm Stall in town where you can purchase locally produced preserves, jams, and olives produced on their farm.  Contact: Annelien - 023 625 1951 - www.rhebokskraalolives.co.za

Our next stop was going to be Bonnievale Wines were we going to have a Biscuit and wine pairing. This was most unusual, as one really thinks of eating sweet cookies with white wine.  Well, we were in for a surprise.  The white wines were chilled and crispy, the red wines were very special to me as I prefer red wine. Robyn-Anne presented the wine pairing for us.  Needless to say quite a bit of wine was purchased. Bonnievale, the village is located on the banks of the Breede River and was called Vale in 1902, when the Cape Government opened a siding halfway between Robertson and Swellendam in this fertile Valley they added the Bonnie in 1917.  While the Cheddar and Gouda varieties produced by Bonnievale’s  cheese  factory have won many distinction, the district is essentially a wine-producing region and like Montagu, is noted for its Muscadel and other sweet varieties.  Contact - 023 616 220 - www.bonnievalewines.co.za

Our last stop for the day took us to Viljoensdrift located on the banks of the Breede River where we were
taken on a river cruise while drinking their wines or enjoying our picnic lunch. We were offered the option to have our lunch which we could choose in their Deli and have it on the cruise or afterwards.  Here you can pick and choose from the great variety of cheese, cold meats, freshly baked breads or pate’s, whatever you would like to eat. Their cruise takes approximately 50 min where after we saw a video on life on a wine farm in the Breede Valley. A wonderful time was had by all and should you wish to experience this lovely trip on
the river while enjoying the local wines with a picnic basket.
Contact: Fred Viljoen - 023 615 1017 - www.viljoensdrift.co.za

                          
After our lunch it was time to return to our own vehicles and set off back home to Cape Town. We saw so much, enjoyed so much, slept like dogs after the amazing dinner at Excelsior, that it felt as we had been on a week’s holiday.  We all recommend this as a wonderful visit to the Langeberg and Breede River Valley, so you have much to choose from should you be visiting Cape Town in the near future.  Do not forget our little country villages that have much to offer and just a stone’s throw from the city.Driving back to Cape Town you will also pass many farm Stalls, so purchase fresh homemade breads, cheese, pickles, jams and farm butter to enjoy with all the wines you have just purchased.

Do join us on Twitter and Face Book, and we look forward to hear from you all.

Warm Regards and God Bless,

                                                                        Thought of  the Day:

                                                     A man’s wisdom gives him patience;  it is to
                                                               his glory to overlook an offense.
                                                                         PROVERBS 19: 11

Corbett Tourism Consulting, Marketing and Tours
Cape Town, South Africa  
Mobile: +27 (0) 747 092 502 / 073 1409 700
elainecorbett@ctcmarketing.co.za
Twitter: @ElaineCorbett7
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Registered Tourist Guide WC8172