Robertson, South Africa
48 hours in Robertson, South Africa
Where to stay, eat and play in Robertson
Robertson is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known as the Valley of Wine and Roses and the heart of Route 62. Founded in 1853, it grew from farming and waggon building into a thriving centre of wine, fruit and rose cultivation. Here you’ll find the Langeberg mountains rising behind rows of vines in the fertile Breede River Valley. Strolling through the quaint streets, you’ll spot many heritage buildings, like the Pink Church and Edwardian Museum, that add to the town’s historic charm. But there is more to this town than just history, wine and roses – here’s how to spend 48 hours in Robertson.
Day 01
15.00
Check-in time
The Robertson Small Hotel is housed in a restored Edwardian manor house that dates back to 1909. It’s one of the oldest buildings in town, but the inside has been redesigned with a clean, contemporary design that avoids the usual country guesthouse clichés. Local interior studio Hot Cocoa worked on the design, bringing the old to life with modern pieces by South African makers and artists. There are ten rooms split across the main house, the stable block and a more low-key luxury extension. Each room is unique – some have high pressed-tin ceilings and sash windows, others have private courtyards and more minimalist finishes. You’ll also have access to two swimming pools, a wellness room with spa services and an in-house restaurant, which is run by acclaimed South African chef Reuben Riffel.
The Robertson Small Hotel
58 Van Reenen St
Robertson
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Robertson Small Hotel
16.00
Sip back and relax at Springfield Estate
Springfield Estate is a family-run wine estate, with siblings Abrie and Jeanette Bruwer managing the winemaking and marketing between them. Their family has farmed this land for generations and they produce wines using old-school methods – wild fermentation, no added yeast and as little interference as possible. We love the open‑air tasting deck, where sweeping views of the vines feel like part of the pour and if you catch the weekday cellar tours, you’ll see the hands‑off approach that lets each terroir speak for itself. Tastings are informal (no booking needed) – we recommend trying the Life from Stone Sauvignon Blanc, their most recognised label, made from vines grown on quartz-rich soil. Also go for the Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon, which is fermented without crushing the berries, which gives it a softer finish.
Springfield Estate
Klipdrif R317
Bonnievale Road
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Springfield Estate
17.30
Cocktail o’clock at The EM Bar
Back at The Robertson Small Hotel, the EM Bar is your go‑to for early evening cocktails. The EM Bar is named after Emile Joubert, one of the original owners who helped shape the hotel’s identity. It’s a compact space where Victorian elegance takes centre stage with blue‑and‑white porcelain tiles by Michael Chandler, plush bar stools and a menu that puts the spotlight on regional craft spirits like Hope on Hopkins gin and Bain’s Cape Mountain whisky, elevated with house‑made syrups and cordials. The Em’s Dream is a must-try – a gin‑forward cocktail with lavender syrup.
The EM Bar
58 Van Reenen St
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The EM Bar
19.00
Dine like the locals
Just around the corner from The Robertson Small Hotel, Four Cousins Restaurant channels the energy of Route 62 in a spacious, glass‑fronted building designed by Kruger Theron Architects. It’s a casual, family-friendly restaurant attached to the massive Four Cousins tasting room. It’s large, modern and open-plan, with floor-to-ceiling glass that lets in a lot of light during the day and gives it an airy feel. At night the open fireplace transforms the space, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The menu covers a lot of ground – steaks, burgers, pizza, ribs, pasta – but it doesn’t feel overdone. They focus on generous portions and familiar flavours. You can also try the full range of their in-house wines and even craft gin and beer made on-site under the Boet Beer and Kuhestan Gin labels.
Four Cousins Restaurant
54 Voortrekker Ave
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Four Cousins Restaurant
Day 02
09.00
Fuel up for the day
Start your day at De Bakkerij, a cosy bakery‑café on Truter Street where the smell of freshly baked bread drifts through the door. De Bakkerij is a proper small-town bakery with a simple all-day breakfast menu. Grab a table outside under the trees order a flat white and enjoy a simple but delicious breakfast – give the roosterkoek (flame-grilled bread) with cheese and jam a try or the classic South African breakfast with eggs, boerewors (sausage), toast and mushrooms. On the way out, grab some of their famous mosbolletjies (a sweet, spiced bun made with grape juice), made from a family recipe that’s been around for over a century.
De Bakkerij
40 Truter St
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of De Bakkerij
10.00
Taste some olives and oils
If you’ve never done an olive or olive oil tasting, this is the place to try it. Marbrin is a small, boutique olive farm just outside of Robertson, surrounded by the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountains. The farm produces extra virgin olive oil, flavoured oils (like garlic or chilli), different cultivars of olives, balsamic reduction and a range of tapenades. You’ll taste them all while learning how each grove’s soil and microclimate shape the fruit. The chilli olive oil is a winner, as is the kalamata tapenade. You’ll leave with a bottle or two – but more importantly, you’ll understand why olive oil isn’t just something you grab off a supermarket shelf.
Marbrin Olives
R60 Klaasvoogds
Robertson
South Africa
11.00
Try a Cap Classique and nougat pairing
Bon Courage is one of Robertson’s oldest estates, with a family history stretching back to 1921. It’s still run by the Bruwer family, now in its third generation and they’ve built a strong reputation for both still wines and Cap Classique – South Africa’s version of traditional-method sparkling wine. You have to try the Cap Classique & nougat pairing. It sounds a bit gimmicky, but it actually works – you’ll taste three Jacques Bruére Cap Classique wines, including the Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve, their top-tier MCC made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, aged for several years on the lees. Each Cap Classique is matched with a handmade nougat – fruity, nutty and spicy. The tasting room is a whitewashed Cape Dutch building that opens onto a shaded lawn and dam, where you can also choose to enjoy your tasting.
Bon Courage
R317
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Bon Courage
13.00
Lunch under the oak trees
Café Maude is the small restaurant on-site at Bon Courage Estate. We highly recommend sitting outside on the terrace if it’s a sunny day, under ancient oaks with rustic wooden tables – you’ll have stunning views of the vineyards. The menu is seasonal, with daily blackboard specials. Expect dishes like quiches, fresh salads, lamb curry, open sandwiches – and always dessert. If the lemon meringue tart is on offer, don’t think twice. The kudu (venison) pot pie will always be a winner, it’s uniquely South African and delicious. This spot is perfect for a relaxed lunch – no heavy music or overdone presentation – just honest food in a scenic setting.
Café Maude
Bon Courage
R317
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Café Maude
15.00
Saddle up and explore
Time to stretch your legs – or let a horse do the walking. Robertson Horse Adventures offers guided horseback trails through vineyards, fynbos and along quiet farm roads. The horses are well-trained and calm, so even if you haven’t ridden in years (or ever), you’ll be fine. They offer a range of guided trails, from short 1-hour rides through vineyards and orchards to longer options that take you deeper into the surrounding farmland and fynbos. Horses are matched to your riding ability – from first-timers to confident riders – and the team gives you a proper intro before setting out. The terrain is flat and open, with wide views of the Langeberg Mountains. You’ll pass vineyards, grazing paddocks and quiet farm roads, often with nothing but birdsong and the sound of hooves.
Robertson Horse Adventures
Klipdrift farm
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Robertson Horse Adventures
19.00
Italian dining done right
For your final dinner, head to Ragazzi for some modern Italian cuisine. Chef Clinton Drake brings over 20 years of international culinary experience to Ragazzi, having worked in esteemed kitchens worldwide, including Michelin-starred establishments. Inside, exposed brick and soft lighting set the scene for wood‑fired pizzas, house‑made pasta and seasonal mains like slow‑roasted Karoo lamb. Start with the arancini studded with melting mozzarella, move on to pappardelle in a wild‑mushroom ragù and finish with a blood‑orange panna cotta that’s light enough for second helpings. Pair your meal with one of the local wines on their list and toast to 48 hours well spent in the valley.
Ragazzi Restaurant
The Venue
Beuld
Roodehoogte
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ragazzi Restaurant
Day 03
09.00
Breakfast at the local favourite
You can’t leave Robertson before popping into the local favourite – Ou Meul. Ou Meul has a modern farmstall vibe – retail shelves of local preserves, hanging bunches of dried herbs and a rustic outdoor seating area. The smell of coffee and freshly baked croissants is irresistible. Their coffee is made from Bootlegger coffee beans – the flat white or straight-up espresso is delicious. The menu is bigger than you’d expect – omelettes, toasties, smoothie bowls, you name it. Try the bacon and egg croissant or the banana bread French toast. The bakery counter is stocked with fresh croissants, pasteis de nata, muffins and tarts – all made on-site – if you have a sweet tooth, you don’t want to miss this section.
Ou Meul
R60
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ou Meul
10.00
Dive into the local art scene
Before you leave town, make a stop at Robertson Art Gallery, home to over 60 South African artists. The space is quiet and curated and you’ll be greeted by the owner, always happy to chat about the pieces or the artists behind them. The collection includes landscapes, abstracts, botanical work, sculpture and some photography – most of it for sale and much of it sourced from across the Western Cape. You’ll find paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolour, as well as ceramic pieces and woodwork in the smaller rooms toward the back. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, this is where to get something truly special.
Robertson Art Gallery
3 Voortrekker Ave
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of robertson art gallery
12.00
Last lunch in the gardens of Mo & Rose
Mo & Rose is a guesthouse and garden estate in Klaasvoogds West, about 10 minutes outside of town. The restaurant – called The Reservoir – is set in the old water reservoir, now converted into a light-filled, glass-walled space looking out onto the garden. It’s a calm, green space with big trees, gravel paths and over 1,500 species of succulents and aloes in the surrounding garden. If you’ve got time, wander through the garden after lunch. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, featuring dishes like pork belly with apple slaw, grilled fish with herb butter, risotto and a goat cheese with poached pear starter.
Mo & Rose
KlaasVoogds West
Robertson
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Mo & Rose
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