Wine growing area (District) in
South Africa, which belongs to the
Breede River Valley region. It lies in the form of a semicircular oasis as a basin around the Breede River. In the northeast the area borders on the
Klein Karoo region. Robertson is divided into the nine Wards Agterkliphoogte, Bonnievale, Boesmansrivier, Eilandia, Hoopsrivier, Klaasvoogds, Le Chasseur, McGregor and Vinkrivier. The vineyards cover 13,994 hectares of vineyards on calcareous, sandy alluvial soils (2009). They are planted 65% with the white wine varieties Colombard, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat d'Alexandrie and Sémillon, and 35% with the red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Ruby Cabernet, Pinotage, Cinsaut and Pinot Noir.
Due to the hot and dry climate with relatively little rainfall, artificial
irrigation is necessary using the waters of the Breede River and the reservoirs of the Du Toitskloff Mountains. The calcareous soil has a particularly positive effect on both horse breeding (in terms of bone growth) and viticulture. The cool nights extend the ripening period and contribute to aromatic wines. The typical sweet
Jerepigo (dessert wines) are produced. Formerly known for excellent Chardonnay white wines, the red wines are now also among the best of the Cape.
In connection with the calcareous soils, an interesting
ecological measure is practised. Limestone soils attract
snails, and to naturally control them, many breeding sites for badgers have been created at the Weltevrede winery. The animals are driven to the vineyards every morning and brought back in the evening after the pests have been eaten. Well known wineries are Agterkliphoogte Winery, Appeldrift Winery, Ashton Winery, Bon Courage Estate, Craighall, De Wetshof Estate, Fraai Uitzicht, Graham Beck, Le Grand Chasseur Estate, Mon Don Estate, Mooiuitzig Wines, Nordale Winery,
Springfield Estate, Van Loveren, Van Schoor Wines, Viljoensdrift, Weltevrede, Whale Haven Wines, Wolwedrift Wine Estate and Zandvliet Estate.
