Wineries:
Robertson is located further inland, approx. 160 km from Cape Town. The wine region has a warm, almost hot and dry climate. The rainfall is barely more than 300 to 400mm per m2 per year. The soils are mostly limestone on the plains, combined with clay in the higher altitudes. For a long time, mass-produced wines were made here through irrigation. White wines such as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Colombard are primarily cultivated. However, red wine varieties, especially Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, are increasingly finding a promising home in Robertson thanks to the warm climate.
For a few years now, various wineries have been increasingly focusing on quality, and some producers can already count themselves among the top producers, such as Mont Blois, Springfield, De Wetshof, Graham Beck, Silverthorn and several others. The Robertson district includes the areas of Agterkliphoogte, Eilandia, Hoopsrivier, Klaasvoogds, Le Chasseur, McGregor & Vinkrivier.
Known as the “Valley of Vines and Roses”, the calcareous soil of the Robertson District is particularly suitable for breeding racehorses and, of course, viticulture. Located in the Breede River Valley, the river is the lifeline in this low-rainfall region. Although summer temperatures can be very high, cooling south-easterly winds bring moist air into the valley.
Robertson is traditionally a white wine region, known primarily for its Chardonnays and more recently also for good quality Sauvignon Blancs. It is no longer a secret since Graham Beck that a large proportion of the Chardonnay grapes (and Pinot Noir grapes) are used for excellent sparkling wines. Silverthorn, the high-end MCC producer, has joined them. Many of the grapes find their home in sparkling wines made by leading MCC producers from Franschhoek to Stellenbosch.
In addition, the unmistakable fortified dessert wines, for which the region was originally known, are still produced.
