Exploring Robertson: Exclusive Wine Offers Await

Every profession has its ups and downs, and right now, the online wine trade isn’t exactly on a high. However, being a wine merchant offers genuine emotional highs even in tough times.

Such was the case last week when we set out after a long pause to visit our partners in Robertson. We would like to share this day with you.

Once everything was set, we began our journey from Somerset West at 8:45 AM. To get to Robertson in time for breakfast, we had to keep a fast pace. An hour and a half later, the sign for Graham Beck appeared on the horizon. It was time to consider whether we needed a sparkling tasting to recover after the drive. Despite the alluring thought, we pressed on to our first stop at Four Cousins, right at Robertson's entrance. This establishment, with its wine tasting centre and microbrewery, opened by Van Loveren just a few years ago, also offers a delightful breakfast.

We shared a "Health Breakfast” featuring muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruits, in addition to a stuffed omelet. Both were a dream and an excellent foundation for the day's activities ahead.

Springfield, our next stop, is located only a few kilometers down the road to Bonnievale. Before reaching the delightful Daneen, head of the Springfield Tasting Center, we encountered her dogs, Molly and Benji, who belong to the Bruwer Family. They are inseparable, ultra-friendly, and more than willing to enjoy some affectionate petting. We almost forgot our main purpose amidst the dog cuddles. Once we could focus back on the task, we eagerly tasted the new vintages and were pleased to find the legendary “Life from Stone” remains true to its origins, showcasing the rocky terroir beautifully. It filled us with great joy to see Daneen again after the long Covid drought and witness her excellent management of the wines.

A mere few kilometers later, we found ourselves back at Van Loveren, a partner since 2002. Arriving felt like visiting old friends, which indeed they are. Maria, the manager, along with Freda and Jason, two of the "Wine Ambassadors," insisted on a delightful tasting experience this time. We let them direct the course, which resulted in an exquisite “Christina Master Tasting in Riedel Glasses.”

We’ve experienced many tastings previously, but the setup of six different glasses for each participant was a novel approach. As for the delicious wines from the Van Loveren top range, we’ll let your imagination run free. A genuine eye-opener was how differently the same wine can be perceived from various glasses. The most substantial difference could be noticed with the two MCCs. The contrast between a classic flute and a wide 0.75-liter glass was astonishing, hard to believe they were one and the same drink. What felt aggressive from the flute transformed into a delicate perlage in the larger glass. From now on, our sparkling wines will be served exclusively in larger dishes. Freda engaged the audience for a good hour, leaving us speechless on multiple occasions with her knowledge. The days of mere wine pouring have long ceased; now it’s all about enjoyment and effective knowledge-sharing.

If you ever get to Van Loveren, ensure you visit the garden before getting back in your car or bus.

By 3:30 PM, we were happily making our way back, already planning to enjoy some coffee and milk tart at the farm stall on the town's outer edge before heading home. This is what makes work enjoyable.

For anyone considering a trip to Robertson, we highly recommend it. If you have a bit more time, think about extending your stay overnight in Robertson. There’s plenty to explore: more wine, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and maybe even continue to Montagu. There’s so much more to discover than one might think. Unfortunately, the office calls, and time is always a factor.

In addition to sharing our impressions, we wish to introduce you to the complementary wines. This week, you can find a selection from our Robertson portfolio at special prices in the shop.

We look forward to welcoming you and signing off,
(Offers valid from 9.11 to 16.11.)