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This annual festival spills out over all four towns of the valley – Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor and Robertson, and the programme is jam-packed with wine, food and family activities. We give you all the details you need to know, before you go.
SAVE THIS MAP: The essential Robertson Wine Valley Map
Arrange accommodation first
Robertson is about a 2-hour 30 min drive from Cape Town, and a 3-hour drive from George. Naturally, most visitors to the festival will be staying overnight, so arranging accommodation in advance is essential. Luckily, there are plenty of options at all levels of luxury in and around the valley. There are also a few camping option, if you’d like to stay out under the stars with the family. You can find an abundance of information right here.
Arrange tickets second
At your first stop, exchange your Webticket for a Wine Passport, which includes a tasting glass, wristband, coupons, programme and map. During the 4 days of the festival, you may only enter participating wineries with a Wine Passport so don’t lose it!
Some rules apply:
Your passport gives you the opportunity to taste our wines, but not for unlimited drinking:
• Wineries may ask more than one coupon per tasting
• Tasting samples have been set at 25 ml (marked on your glass)
• You are welcome to buy a glass of wine or share a bottle amongst friends.
• Wineries are not allowed to serve wine to intoxicated guests
• Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated
• Participating establishments reserve the right to ask guests who do not abide
to the above guidelines to leave their premises
Safety first
The Wacky Wine Weekend has a zero tolerance policy towards intoxicated drivers. The local traffic department will be on the ground to assist, and there are many different forms of transportation to help everyone have a great time. Also remember to have your cell phone charged at all times, and to have a plan in place should anyone get separated from the group. Make sure that young children know who to call in an emergency.You can find transportation information here.
Dress appropriately
Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat to keep the sun off of your head. The evenings can be very chilly, and rainy weather is not uncommon at this time of the year, so be sure to bring a warm jacket, scarf and long trousers. A small backpack is good idea to keep together all your bits and pieces while out having wine fun!
Remember to stay hydrated – and to eat often
Carry a water bottle with you at all times, and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. A few snacks in your bag are essential – a chocolate bar, maybe some biltong and a packet of nuts will get you from one tasting to the next.
There are plenty of Wine Estate restaurants, cozy country dining rooms and small town pubs to satisfy any craving.
REMINDER – please be aware that water restrictions are still in place in the valley so use water sparingly!
A few expert tipsIf you’re travelling with a group of friends, arrange for matching team T-shirts, scarves or beanies to stand out from the crowds!
Pack a small First Aid bag, filled with plenty of hangover remedies. A large lunch box is perfect – fill it with re-hydrating salts, pain killers, energy drinks and some dry crackers to help with nausea. Sunblock, plasters and a good multi vitamin drink will help make the weekend a great one!
Many wine estates offer excellent discounts over the weekend, so this is a good time to stock up on your favourite Robertson wines.
When packing up the car, leave plenty of room for all the goodies you will want to bring home with you. Wine, jams, oils, olives and even garden plants – you’ll have plenty of booty to haul back to Cape Town.
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