Best wine farms on Route 62

4 min read

Montagu Springs is located along the iconic Route 62, which stretches between Cape Town and Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and is, at 850 kilometres, the world’s longest wine route! Less commercial than the Garden Route and shorter and more scenic than the N2, the R62 is a must when you visit us. Between Cape Town and Montagu, there are some amazing wine farms to try. Here are some of our favourites, with the all located enroute from Cape Town, except the last 2 which are located if you are coming from the eastern side of South Africa.

Montagu Wines

We have to start off with a wine farm on our own turf! Montagu Wines has been around since 1941. The cellar was purchased in 1948 and is the exact cellar where the Monis Marsala and Moscato, a method of making muscadel, has its origins. This same method is still being used today, although only a limited amount is released to the public, making it an exclusive purchase. The award-winning cellar currently produces red and white muscadel – be sure to stop at 1 Cinsaut Street in Montagu to pick up a bottle!

Robertson Winery

The Robertson Winery was established in 1941 in the old stone church, no longer used by the community or missionaries. The church was converted for winemaking and the cellar was established as well. With their hands-on process and emphasis on natural elements, the Robertson Winery wines are a must-try.

De Krans Wine Cellar

In 1890 the farm for De Krans Winery was purchased by the Nel family and it’s been under their control ever since. Known for their port-style wines, the award-winning winery is located near Calitzdorp. Wine tastings are available, as well as a 30-minute vineyard walking trail. Each year in February, visitors can pick their own Hanepoot grapes, while the last week of November and first week of December is reserved for apricot picking and the last two weeks of December is the perfect time for picking peaches!

Van Loveren

This farm has a rich family history, with the third generation of family members currently running the farm. Van Loveren is best known for their ‘Four Cousins’ wine, which got its name from the four Retief cousins currently in charge. A visit to the farm includes everything from wine tasting and cellar tours to bird watching and garden tours to mountain biking and hiking trails.

Rooiberg Winery

Situated 10 minutes outside of Robertson, Rooiberg Winery is an easily accessible wine stop on your way to Montagu. With their restaurant and bistro next to the highway, this is the perfect place to stop for padkos and a great bottle of wine. The iconic giant red chair that stands outside has been a favourite snapshot of many holiday goers.

Zandvliet Wine Estate

Zandvliet is situated near the Cogmans River and was first declared a farm in 1838. Later, the area was split into three smaller farms - Zandvliet, Prospect, and Excelsior. In 2015 a lot of old, poor-bearing vineyards were removed and replaced with citrus trees. The vineyards that remain and the new ones that were added, however, produce excellent wines. Be sure to try out their wine tasting in the Kalkveld Lounge.

Viljoensdrift

Viljoensdrift started selling their own wines in 1998, after 30 years of providing grapes to the local co-op. They further produce fruit, like apricots and peaches, for canning purposes. The farm further offers river cruises on the Breede River, wine tasting, a delicious deli, and picnic options.

Grundheim Wines

Grundheim is located in Oudtshoorn and was founded in 1858, with its cellar dating back to over 100 years ago. The farm is known for its use of open tank fermentation and its unique products. They make muscadel, port, home-made liqueurs which locals refer to as milkshakes with a kick, and brandy, but their most famous is their witblits – a white brandy spirit.

Herold Wines

Herold Wines is a bit off the beaten track but definitely worth the visit! If you are looking for a glass of wine among beautiful scenery and natural beauties, this is the one for you. With the vineyards located at between 650 and 700 metres above sea level, the vines are rooted at a higher altitude than most South African wine farms. This along with the weather results in a longer growing season.

Be sure to let us know which wine farms you visit on your way to or during your stay at Montagu Springs. We are always open to new recommendations. And feel free to ask our friendly staff for their recommendations if you are stuck on where to go. Happy adventuring!