Wining down the river No. 34/800 - Viljoensdrift, Robertson

Onto wine farm number 34 of 800. Viljoensdrift in the Robertson Wine valley. #tastethelifestyle

I have rated this wine farm experience 4.5 star.

OVERALL RATING	WINE	SERVICE	FOOD	LOCATION
73%	66%	68%	79%	78%

What better way to spend the summer than cruising down a river, enjoying a glass of wine and munching on some deli treats. I was unlucky to visit on a day that was pouring down with rain but that did not stop me! :)ACTIVITIES and OTHER AMENITIES: 

• Wine tasting – FREE!
• Boat Cruise - R60 per adult, R20 per child. 50 minute boat ride.
• Jungle Gym
• Deli & picnics
• Restaurant
• Live entertainment on specific days

BOOKINGS: To book a boat cruise, visit the website  http://activitybridge.com/book?activityid=3730 CLICK HERE for all the various contact details.WHEN TO GO: Summer is best to enjoy the boat cruise however there is a nice fire place in the tasting room.

CHILD FRIENDLY?  yes, there is a jungle gym and kids will love the boat cruise.LOCATION: Situated in Robertson about a 2 hour drive from Cape Town. Google Map

Here is my experience:

There is so much to do at Viljoensdrift.The restaurant overlooks the river and serves up some great pizzas for only R70!The tasting room is quite big with many small tables and a lounge area.The wine tasting is completely FREE and they also have an extensive range! All tastings are at the wine bar.Here is the price list:

Anchor Drift White							35.00
Sauvignon Blanc							65.00
Chardonnay							65.00
Shiraz Rosé							45.00
Villion							120.00
Anchor Drift Red							40.00
Merlot							75.00
Cape Blend							70.00
Pinotage Single Vineyard							120.00
Cabernet Sauvignon							85.00

Just next to the wine bar was this cosy fire place so they could have done with some bar stools or extra seating in this area.

It was so cold outside, we loved the warmth coming from this tiny fire.

I enjoyed the Villion Blanc de Blanc MCC. 100% Chardonnay which had 6 years bottle fermentation on the lees. It is quite golden in colour.

Villion MCC has won quite a few awards:

• Veritas 2015 - Gold
• Michelangelo 2014 - Gold
• Veritas 2014 - Silver
• Michelangelo 2013 - Gold
• Veritas 2013 - Silver
• Amorim MCC Challenge 2012 - Silver
• Veritas 2012 - Gold

I was also keen to try the Cape Blend because I am such a fan of this unique blend - true to South Africa.51% Pinotage, 21% Cab Sauvignon, 15% Cab Franc, 7% Shiraz and 6% Merlot. It has spent 12 months in 2nd fill American and French oak barrels. It was a true dark, spicy and dark berry wine.

The Cape Blend has also won quite a few awards:

• Veritas 2015 - Silver
• Michelangelo 2014 - Silver
• Veritas 2014 - Bronz
• Veritas 2012 - Bronze

I then ventured outside and enjoyed a glass of wine whilst listening to the live entertainment.

Cheers darlings!

Before you go on the cruise, you can choose from a variety of snacks and beverages which they will pack into a picnic basket for you to enjoy on the cruise. It is literally a "build your own picnic" experience :) Even kiddy packs for R30.  Here is the deli menu so you can plan your budget up front: viljoensdrift-deli-menu-2016-september

The boat cruise itself was very smooth and sheltered (remember it was raining whilst I was there). The boat goes up the river, and then does a u-turn and goes back past the wine farm and makes another u-turn. So basically a circle. There is no commentary on the boat, so you can really just enjoy the scenery.

We arrived a little bit unprepared for the colder weather so the wine farm offered customers these blankets to keep warm. Good thinking Viljoensdrift! :)

I am glad we left before it started to bucket down - just look at those grumpy looking clouds...OTHER RATINGS:  CLICK here to view what others have said on Trip Advisor.

Click HERE to view the ranking of this farm against others I have already reviewed.FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Robertson Wine Valley for more information on Wine farms in Robertson. http://www.robertsonwinevalley.com

So what farm will be next? :)

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