Robertson

The Breede River supports agriculture through this relatively dry valley, set between mountain ranges. Chardonnay is a familiar local white, while Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offer red alternatives. The district also has a tradition of fortified and dessert wines, so Robertson is broader than any one grape or style.

The Robertson Wine Valley touring area connects several towns and many producers. Wine of Origin wording is the better guide to the grapes’ legal origin. A dry Chardonnay, a sparkling wine and a sweet Muscat-based bottle may all appear on the same visit, making this a useful place to compare methods as well as grapes.