By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
TThe R62 Wine Route runs concurrently with the Cape Route 62, a ‘tourist’ route, which follows the less-travelled, shorter and vastly more scenic regional R62 road from Cape Town, through the Klein Karoo and the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth.
This, off-the-beaten-track wine route on Route 62, is often missed by motorists tearing along the N2. The fortunate few who take the time to explore its length discover a feast of culture, hospitality, food, and a variety of wine styles.
Billed as the longest wine route in the Western Cape, the Route 62 Wine Route encompasses Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. Wine lovers can visit up to 70 wine farms, of which 11 are specialist brandy cellars, and comprise the R62 Brandy Route – an adventure on its own!
Of special interest along the wine route is Calitzdorp, the port-making capital of the country. Though European Union export legislation prohibits South African port producers from naming their product as such, the master blenders in Calitzdorp make their versions of vinho do porto, called Cape tawny, Cape vintage and Cape ruby, that will rival anything produced in the Douro region.
In the fertile Tradouw Valley, you’ll find fruit orchards, Khoisan descendants and the country’s smallest wine district, the Tradouw Highlands. Barrydale Wine and Brandy Cellar produces world-beating pot still brandies, and Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar creates fine chardonnay and syrah.
Unique spirits are par for the course on this unconventional wine route. Grundheim Wines in the Klein Karoo makes witblitz (a white brandy spirit), potent enough to keep you and your car tanked, as well as interesting cream-based liqueurs which the locals refer to as melkskommel met skop (milkshake with a kick).
At Kango Co-op Cellar, sip their Jerepigo, a robust dessert wine made from red grapes, or soothe your digestion with a snifter of their honey or herbal buchu brandy.
The Route 62 Wine Route is ideal for travellers who like to take their time, travel at leisure, and get to know the country and the people en route. Offering excellent value for money and unusual wines, quirky characters, unstinting hospitality, and hearty regional cuisine, what more could an adventurous wine lover ask for?
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Cape Winelands
Tel: +27 (0)86 126 5263
How to get here
Approximately 850km from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth on Route 62, via Paarl, Tulbagh, Worcester, Montagu, Oudtshoorn and Uniondale.
Best time to visit
The Route 62 Wine Route can be visited all year round. The vineyards and fruit farms are in blossom from October to December, and harvesting is from January to late April.
Things to do
Along the length of the route, you'll find art and craft producers, restaurants, nature reserves and game parks, botanical gardens, adventure sports, and dozens of cultural and historic attractions.
Wine farms on Route 62 host festivals and activities throughout the year. Visit the Route 62 website for details.
What to pack
Depending on the time of year, it can get very hot in summer and cold in winter, so make sure to pack accordingly. Whatever the time of year, bring a hat and sunblock, the sun can be dangerous even in winter.
Where to stay
Guest lodges, family-run hotels, self-catering and farm accommodation. If you don’t fancy anything too rustic, Jan Harmsgat Country House, Assegaaibosch Country Lodge, and Thorntree Country House are good bets.
What to eat
Free-range ostrich, lamb venison. In season, fresh fruits, especially from Montague, Wellington and Tradouw. Country cuisine – you’ll find egte Boerekos (genuine Afrikaaner food) as well as contemporary 5-star dining.
Related links
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy|Social Media Terms and Conditions
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy|Social Media Terms and Conditions