Route 62 – The longest wine route in the world
Contributed by Allan Fabig, Calitzdorp Country House.
Ashton
Route 62 is modeled after the iconic US Route 66, made famous by the late, great Nat King Cole in the eponymous song of the mid 20th century. Travelers headed for the fabulous Garden Route will find that Route 62 offers a better alternative to the dull N2 motorway between Cape Town and George, being much more scenic and slightly shorter. This well-maintained blacktop highway meanders from Worcester, by way of the Breede River valley, through Robertson, Ashton and Montagu, then the Klein Karoo landmark towns and thence on to George and the Garden Route.
The road follows winding and spectacular mountain passes that slowly unfold before your excited eyes, leading to lush green valleys hosting crystal streams and framed by the distorted geological shapes and startling colours of rock faces dating from hundreds of millions of years ago.
Then there is the abundance of indigenous flora, with the succulent species making a particularly significant contribution to your enjoyment. No fewer than 500 different species of succulents are to be seen along the Route. Orchards and vineyards are there in abundance, too. Indeed, the main highway traversing this fascinating land, Route 62, is reputed to be the longest wine route in the world. And keep an eye on dams and wetlands for a chance to spot the Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird and an endangered species often visible along Route 62. Continued
Article by: SA Travel News Editor
