Just an hour and a few minutes drive out of the city, boasting picturesque views of the Western Cape sierra, lies the scenic area Langeberg. Nestled within this charming region, the towns of McGregor, Ashton, Bonnievale, Montagu and Robertson are each uniquely rich in culture, character and most importantly – food and drink.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in the tasty food, fine wine, stunning accommodation and a few hidden gems in the perfect getaway locale. Here’s a breakdown of what to do when you’re in the Langeberg area.
WINERIES
The Langeberg region offers some of the best wines in the country, and the Robertson wine valley is no exception. Rooiberg Winery is an excellent example, with its enormously green field and its infamous Red Chair – dubbed as the biggest chair in Africa. All the wines are second-sip worthy, whether it’s their tropical, fruity 2016 Sauvignon Blanc or their spiced and wooded 2014 Shiraz Reserve which is their best selling wine, you’ll find each sip smoother than the last.
The Graham Beck Wine Estate boasts a fabulous view overlooking the magnificent mountains, and a great MCC. The essential sharing drink, the Brut Rose has a pinot noir element to it, and is perfect for sundowners, lunchtime drinks or an evening soiree. Add to your collection with the prestigious Cuvee Clive, a limited and exceptionally complex MCC, with the potential to age.
Home of Shiraz in South Africa, the Zandvliet Wine Estate’s dark décor and mysterious ambience matches the red wine richness of Zandvliet’s luxurious Shiraz range from quality vineyards. Laden with history and tradition, the estate is one of the first wineries in the country to bottle this noble cultivar and uses honoured practice combined with modern expertise to produce pure indulgence in a glass.
With a citrus and wine pairing session for only R55, experience the magic of Zandvliet wines and decide whether the wizardry lies within the soil or the cellar master, as wine manager Jacques Cilliers takes you through their finest wines, such as best seller, the Kalkveld Shiraz 2014. Not as spicy as your average Shiraz, the Kalkveld Shiraz 2014 flaunts a wooded palette, with a dry aftertaste, and is an easy drinking, smoother Shiraz. Dark chocolate on the side promises for a whirlwind of flavour and the perfect compliment to this best selling Zandvliet vino.
For a more practical approach to wine making, Excelsior Wine Estate offers just that. Founded by the De Wet family, this wine estate has a beautifully eccentric tasting room: A wooden beamed room which overlooks the vineyards and water, with the spectacular Langeberg mountain range as a backdrop. Blend and bottle your own wine creation for an authentic cultivar experience.
DINING
The town of Montagu is home to Die Stal, a culinary gem for light, tasty foods and the perfect family-friendly eatery. Find the most scrumptious hearty, country fare with a breakfast and lunch of delectable dishes and fresh food. Don’t forget a crisp glass of wine to assist you in indulging through the afternoon amongst the vines and bougainvillea.
If eating with a view of the vineyards and freshly baked ‘roosterbrood’ sounds like the perfect dining experience, then look no further than the Graze Deli on the Excelsior Wine Estate. Choose your favourite gourmet filling and create your own lunch with the deli’s ‘roosterbrood’ sandwiches. The deli also offers local products galore, which showcases the abundance of talent in the Breederiver Valley – and is the ideal souvenir to take home.
Reach optimum levels of relaxation by completing your day with a sunset riverboat cruise at Kolgans, at the Breede River with a tasty homemade meal on board.
HIDDEN GEMS
Getting lost in the region of Langeberg is as exhilarating as discovering new things. The most unbelievably amazing find would have to be Owl’s Rest, which is the home of essential oil and lavender products. Here you’ll find the most amazingly organic products that will do wonders for your skin, such as their lavender body lotion and moisturising cream.
Although the Langeberg region is popular for its exquisite wines and exceptional food, it has a wealth of art and cultural attractions too, as well as alluring craft shops like the Wahnfried intimate theatre, Nkqubela Township Tours, Edna Fourie Art Gallery and Rialheim Ceramic Factory.
Where there is fine wine, craft beer follows behind closely. Overlooking the Langeberg mountains, Saggy Stone micro-brewery offers the ideal weekend pub spot and family restaurant. Spend a sunny Sunday in their vibrant green yards, perfect for a braai or camping. While you’re there, try something new with their beer infused dishes, such as their beer battered fish and chips or the evolutionary beer ice-cream.
SLEEP-IN
The beauty of Langeberg can’t be absorbed all in one day, so turn in at some of the regions swankiest and coolest hotels and accommodation, and wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed for another day of exploration.
If you’re looking to feel right at home, McGregor Country Getaways is the place to check in, with quaint nostalgia-igniting furniture and a cosy atmosphere that will make you want to call it home forever.
The luxurious Galenia Estate offers a gorgeous view of their olive farm and a living space of contemporary Cape Dutch design. Take in the sights from the enclosed dining stoep of the main house, where guests can feel at home while appreciating the majestic views of the estate.
AfriCamps on Pat Busch invites you to be one with nature, all the while camping in the comfort of fully furnished glamping tents, tucked away in the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. Think running water, comfortable beds, a fully kitted kitchen and a braai spot – camping without all the mess and fuss.
The Langeberg region offers a plethora of wine wonders and food extravaganza, all in a short drive from the city. Take a day (or the whole weekend) and dive into what this scenic mountain area has on offer.
Book your adventure with Langeberg Tourism.
Photography Courtesy