My previous post Explore the Langeberg highlighted some of the fabulous places I visited recently in the Robertson wine valley. The remainder of my trip included a stay in Montagu and a visit to some special places in Bonnievale and McGregor. The Langeberg has a special charm and such a diverse offering that one would ideally spend a few days exploring. Boutique Winery Tours will soon be offering an
Off the beaten track tour to give you a small taste of what is available and private tours to the area can also be arranged.
Montagu makes for a perfect midway point to explore the Langeberg and has several fabulous accommodation options. We stayed at the Montagu Country Hotel which is an Art Deco museum, gallery and hotel rolled into one. They also have a collection of classic cars which can be hired for private tours of the area, see the 1956 Cadillac De Ville Sedan pictured above. The African Dream car tours are hosted by hotel owner Gert Lubbe or General Manager, P.J. Basson, both are incredibly knowledgeable about the area and passionate about promoting route 62- a historical and scenic route linking Cape town to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo.
The Mimosa Lodge is also a great option, especially for food and wine connoisseurs. Their award winning restaurant is run by owner-chef Bernard Hess and received the American Express Platinum fine dining award for 2008-2012 along with their Blazon from the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. They also have their own boutique winery and I heard rumblings of a craft brewery opening soon.
For those wanting to spend more time in Montagu, there is certainly quite a lot on offer from bathing in hot mineral springs, tractor rides to the summit of the Langeberg, old forts and museums to amuse the history buffs and nature walks, golf and other adventure sports for the active.
Let's not forget that The langeberg is also a mecca for fruit farming and forms part of the longest wine route in the world, route 62. The Cape Dry fruit factory in Montagu is famous for their dried fruits and the many wine farms in the surrounding area are best known for their Chardonnay, Muscadel and brandies.
From Montagu we headed to the nearby town of Bonnievale, for what was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip. We visited the family farm, Weltevrede wine estate, for an underground wine tasting by candlelight which is an experience not to be missed! To find out more about my experience have a look at one of my recent blog posts for Cape Town etc. Underground wine tastings at Weltevrede.
The last stop on our tour was the charming village of McGregor, a peaceful haven characterized by its whitewashed buildings and beautiful countryside. The Tranquility of McGregor has long been an attraction for artists and healers who have come to make it their home. It has several wineries, olive farms, top restaurants and art galleries to keep one entertained.
Visit the Edna Fourie gallery, Flora's eating house for healthy, delicious food, Rhebokskraal for olive tastings and cooking classes and end the day with a show or movie at Wahnfried house.
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