Route 62 – the longest Wine Route in the World

Route 62

Route 62 (reputed to be the longest wine route in the world) in the Western Cape is a slow, meandering wander through a series of fascinating small towns and breathtaking scenery. The route is particularly well known for good food and excellent wine as it traverses some of the Cape’s most famous farming and wine producing regions.

Route 62 starts within the greater Cape Town Metropole, and stretches as far as Oudtshoorn and Port Elizabeth. This is a mountainous alternative to the N2 highway as it crosses a number of mountain passes as it makes its way eastwards. Along the way, the visitor has the option to stop and explore any one of the numerous small towns located on, or just off the route including Barrydale, Ceres and Zoar. Continued

Wacky & Wonderful Robertson!

Robertson

Located in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, on Route 62 between Worcester and Swellendam, is the small town of Robertson. With a history spanning more than 150 years, having been founded in 1853, the town has plenty to offer, despite only having a population in the region of 17 000 people. Many of the original Victorian houses still line the streets, along with the Jacarandas that have earned the town the nickname of “Jacaranda capital of the Western Cape.”

The Robertson valley is also one of the key wine producers in the Western Cape, and the valley boasts no fewer than 31 wine cellars, many of which have won awards for their wines. Wine and food are so important in this little town that the region hosts two events dedicated to them: the annual Food and Wine Festival, and the Wacky Wine Weekend, the latter being held every June. Accommodation in Robertson ranges from relaxed self catering to quaint bed and breakfasts and more up market hotels, so most tastes are catered for. Continued

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