Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town on the famous Route 62, you’ll find the Soekershof in the Robertson Wine Valley. Nestled between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountain ranges, a landscape of flower-fringed roads, majestic mountains, a river running through the valley and world-class wines. It is not only wine that tics the boxes here… you can chill out with a lazy lunch under an old peppercorn tree, take a ride on a tractor, take a dip in the saltwater pools, take a hike or might want to hit the river in a boot.
The Wacky Wine Weekend
I am sure you can agree with me that this is all very exciting, but it is nothing compared to the Wacky Wine Weekend when it hits the valley in June. The valley’s biggest annual wine festival, where over 50 wine estates showcase their wines. It is a weekend filled with an array of activities from ‘meeting-the-winemaker’ tastings to brandy tours and tastings, river cruises, sunset game drives, vineyard tractor trips, cheese-and olive tastings, a simulated rodeo bull, a farmers’ market, the half-marathon, a mountain bike challenge and the Robertson Winter Market and local performing artists.
The weekend’s highlight is a gastronomic extravaganza, showcasing the best of what the valley has to offer. Expect to be spoiled with oysters, perlemoen, sushi, riverside picnics, Italian cuisine and ‘potjiekos’ and many more gourmet delights.
The Perfect Getaway
MO & ROSE’s country getaway is a perfect base for exploring the Robertson Wine Valley – situated on perhaps the world’s longest wine route, the R60/R62, just outside of Robertson in scenic Klaasvoogds West. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg mountains, enter a magical world – a sensual secret garden inhabited by legions of succulent plants and trees silhouetted against the vast South African sky. Right at the heart of this paradise, you will find a beautiful guesthouse and a superb wine bistro.
The Wine Bistro
Mo & Rose’s Wine Bistro, ensconced in the beautifully renovated old barn, celebrates the art and joy of eating and drinking. Here at the bistro, walls do talk. And if one listens, they whisper of the sophisticated simplicity and offerings of authenticity that reside here.
Dine on seasonal Cape Winelands cuisine with a European twist. Relish and delight in the creative starters. Savour top-notch meat feasts prepared to perfection. They serve thoughtfully handcrafted fare utilising fresh local produce with most of the vegetables and herbs home- and farm-grown. What you taste here is the passion of winemaking of superb boutique wines from renowned wineries, both local and beyond, paired the creation of lip-smacking dishes!
The Guesthouse
I love their accommodation! It is THE ultimate retreat for those who want to indulge in contemporary farmhouse luxury, feast on culinary treats and be cocooned in a sanctuary of stunning natural beauty away from the crowds – a melting pot of unique gardens and contemporary African-inspired design.
The Private Garden
The “seekers’ courtyard” is a private garden brimming with trees that stand as natural sculptures in the sky alongside aloes, succulents and euphorbias. All nestled together in the picturesque landscape of Klaasvoogds. Since its fledgeling years, the garden has grown into a sanctuary of natural beauty. It features hundreds of different species of succulent plants – cacti included. More than half of these succulents originate from Southern Africa. Pathways meander through the various gardens while a diverse and colourful selection from the over 200 bird species in the region dart and flitter in every direction.
The History
The genesis of the garden began in the 1950s. An avid plant collector, Marthinus Malherbe amassed a fantastic array of cactus seeds from the Americas that Molly planted and nurtured to create a one-of-a-kind garden in South Africa for that day and time. As is often the fate of a garden, when ownership changes, so do the garden. After years of neglect, the garden was resurrected and expanded due to the passion of a Dutch couple, Yvonne and Herman van Bon, who came to live in the Soekershof in 2000. Eventually, the public was invited to walk in wonderment throughout the grounds.
New Vitality And Vision
In 2011 new owners Monika and Axel ushered in a fresh era fill with vitality and vision. Careful and thoughtful integration of the broad spectrum of Western Cape architectural periods and vernacular styles existing on the site was the primary goal. Divergent architectural styles and the gardens filled with unique plants were restructured to create a very contemporary whole.
It’s here all about the complete ensemble of the senses: SIGHT, HEARING, TASTE, TOUCH and SMELL!
Why I love it
- It is truly a boutique hotel with only three contemporary en-suite bedrooms with private patios, an enchanting garden, and magical mountain views. Each suite is thoughtfully designed with close attention to detail and tailored to bring the outside IN!
- All rooms have air-conditioning and wireless internet
- Life is relaxed here; whether you sit back and relax with a glass of wine, enjoy a delicious meal or stroll through the out-of-the-ordinary gardens, this is a perfect place to recharge your batteries with enough excitement on your doorstep
Meet MO & ROSE at the Soekershof
I caught up with Monika and Axel the other day. More
Creating your perfect holiday
Bitten by the bug of the wine route R62? I am not surprised as it is a lovely area, easy to combine with Cape Town.
The best way to create your ideal holiday is to ask a local South African company to organise your trip as they are close to the fire. I’m happy to give suggestions. Please note, that I’m independent and don’t get a commission of any of them.
Gerla