Stay, taste, sip, wander, and linger | A traveller's (quick) guide to Montagu and surrounds
- Leanne Johnson
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
Montagu, situated at the gateway to the Klein Karoo, is more than a stopover destination. River cruises, wine pairings, mountain trails, farm-to-table fare, and quirky day trips all make this Route 62 gem an invitation to slow down, sip, and savour the magic of small-town travel.
Route 62 is dotted with small towns that promise big travel memories. Montagu - at the gateway to the Klein Karoo - is the perfect stopover destination, and an ideal weekend escape for those wanting a change of scenery from the Mother City.
But it deserves more than just a one-night stay.
Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges, wide Klein Karoo skies, and three distinct botanical biomes (Succulent Karoo, Fynbos, and Renosterveld), this ‘dorpie’ invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and stay awhile.
Beyond its welcome signs and local offerings, a world of vineyards, orchards, and winding ‘platteland’ roads is waiting to be discovered - where every turn of the road reveals a farm stall, a tasting room, or a view you’ll want to photograph.
No matter what type of travel experience you’re after - outdoor adventures, food and wine experiences, or a dose of small-town charm and hospitality - Montagu delivers.
Here’s a curated sampler of must-dos - classics and hidden gems - to inspire your trip:
Sip & savour | Wine experiences in the valley
Montagu sits proudly on the world’s longest wine route, and within 15–20 minutes, the Robertson Wine Valley offers a playground for wine lovers and viticulture enthusiasts. From river cruises to nougat pairings, each estate has its own flavour, story, and signature experience
The following list of wine farms is just for starters; a hand-picked selection to fill your travelogue with a Klein Karoo taste of history, culture, legacy, and place.
#1 Weltevrede Wine Estate | Intimate atmosphere, breathtaking views, rose gardens, and seasonal, innovative culinary dishes.
Highlights: Underground wine cellar tour + wine tasting.
Dining: Lunch at Kapokbos (booking recommended); Kapokbos Deli for lighter meals.
Hours: Tues–Sat 12h00–16h00 | Sun 12h00–15h30 | Deli: Tues–Sat 08h00–14h00.
Why visit: Perfect vineyard, mountain, and river views. Fine dining or simple deli-style fare. Join the Parkrun here on a Saturday morning.
#2 Van Loveren Wine Estate | Family-run estate with lush gardens and iconic valley charm.
Highlights: Wine tasting, cellar tours, garden tours (all require booking).
Dining: Breakfast or lunch at Christina’s Bistro.
Hours: Mon–Fri 09h00–15h00 | Weekends & public holidays 08h30–15h30.
Why visit: A quintessential Robertson Valley experience for wine and garden lovers.
#3 Viljoensdrift Wine Estate | Sip and sail—the Breede River becomes part of the tasting experience.
Highlights: Wine tasting and riverside lunch options.
Special Experience: River cruise on the Breede River (booking essential).
Why visit: Perfect for a long, lazy morning or afternoon with riverside vineyard views.
#4 Bon Courage Wine Estate | Fun, playful pairings in a beautiful Cape Dutch setting.
Highlights: Wine tasting, Vintage Cap Classique & nougat pairing, Blush with Turkish Delight or Peppercorn Mallow.
Dining: Breakfast and lunch at Café Maude.
Hours: Mon–Fri 09h00–17h00 | Sat 09h00–15h00.
Why visit: For those who love creative wine experiences in a relaxed, scenic environment.
#5 Springfield Wine Estate | Unpretentious, terroir-driven wines served in a ‘South-of-France-style’ setting.
Highlights: Free cellar tour, wine tasting.
Extras: Bring your own picnic.
Why visit: Ideal for a leisurely morning or afternoon immersed in vineyard charm.
#6 Excelsior Wine Estate | Lakeside setting where you can not only taste wine, but blend, bottle, and label your very own vintage.
Highlights: Wine blending and bottling experiences.
Dining: Breakfast and lunch at Graze Deli.
Why visit: A hands-on experience for wine lovers looking to create something unique.
#7 Jan Harmsgat Wine Estate | Established in 1723, this is where historic charm meets genuine hospitality.
Highlights: Wine tasting
Dining: Just Amy restaurant.
Why visit: Experience a historic estate with award-winning wines and a warm welcome. (Besides the 16.8 hectares of vineyards, there are 58 hectares of pomegranates and 8.5 hectares of pecan nut trees.)
#8 Kranskop Wine Estate | Laid-back afternoons of wine, cheese, and panoramic vineyard views.
Highlights: Wine tasting with charcuterie and cheese platters.
Hours: Mon–Fri 10h00–16h30 | Sat 10h00–14h00.
Why visit: Ideal for a slow morning or afternoon, this spot offers a spectacular view of the Klaasvoogds Valley.
Beyond the wine glass | Nature lovers & curious culture buffs
Montagu is more than vineyards - it's a valley brimming with olive groves, fruit farms, secret gardens, history-rich museums, quirky adventures (including trains, tractors, and bicycles), and family-friendly experiences. Every corner offers a taste of authentic valley life—perfect for slowing down or wandering off the beaten path.
So, before or after you book your tasting of choice, make sure you spend a little time exploring the heart of this Victorian town, its culinary options, and all that’s on offer beyond the welcome signs.
#1 Owls Rest | Lavender, Olive & Rose Geranium Farm | Breathe in the calming scent of lavender under shady trees.
Highlights: Farm shop with cordials, olive oil, and handmade skincare products made on the farm.
Extras: Tea and light meals served in the garden.
Hours: Tues–Fri 10h00–16h00 | Sat 11h00–14h00.
Why visit: A fragrant, peaceful escape where nature and wellness meet
#2 Mo & Rose @ Soekershof | Just up the road from Owl’s Rest, this spot has the wow factor.
Highlights: Expansive landscaped succulent, water-wise garden set against the Langeberg mountains.
Dining: Breakfast (08h00–10h00) or coffee stop.
Why visit: A visual feast for garden lovers and design enthusiasts.
#3 Tahlia’s Gin Farm | Creative infusions with a botanical twist and playful pairings.
Highlights: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic gin tastings.
Booking: Essential.
Why visit: Discover playful prickly pear–infused gins with a unique backstory.
#4 Protea Farm Tractor Ride | Climb aboard a tractor for an old-school Montagu adventure that’s still a crowd favourite.
Highlights: Tractor ride up the mountains ( 1,500m above sea level) with sweeping views.
Extras: Potjie lunch included.
Schedule: Wednesdays & Saturdays (Book via Montagu Tourism kiosk at Montagu Country Hotel, Bath Street).
Why visit: Perfect for families and groups looking for a hearty, scenic eco-tourism experience.
#5 Robertson Steam Train Wine Tour | Step back in time aboard a vintage steam train
Highlights: Scenic ride through Breede River vineyards and the Langeberg Valley.
Booking: Essential.
Why visit: A nostalgic, family-friendly way to see the wine country.
#6 Montagu Museum | Two small-town museums with big stories:
Highlights:
Joubert House (1853): Victorian life + indigenous medicinal herb garden and propagation nursery.
Old Mission Church (1907): Cultural and political history + herb shop.
Hours: Mon–Fri 09h00–16h30 | Weekends & Public Holidays 09h00–12h00.
Entry: Small entry fee covers both museums.
Why visit: A cultural deep-dive into Montagu’s layered past.
#7 Montagu Nature Garden | An indigenous botanical haven where buck and tortoises roam free.
Highlights: Indigenous plants, buck, and tortoises.
Trail: Easy walk up Bessiekop for sweeping views.
Hours: Daily 08h00–17h00.
Entry: Free.
Note: No dogs allowed (to protect roaming wildlife).
Why visit: A gentle, scenic escape into Montagu’s natural beauty.
#8 Badskloof Hiking Trail | Follow the Keisie River, and it will take you on an easy walk through fynbos, river reeds, and rock faces to the Avalon Hot Springs.
Highlights: 2.2km (about 45 minutes) one way through fynbos, reeds, and rocky cliffs.
Extras: Coffee & muffins at Avalon Springs before heading back.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for rock hyraxes and tortoises.
Why visit: A family-friendly hike with a rewarding halfway stop.
#9 Flying Feet Tours | Explore Montagu on two wheels—or two feet.
Highlights: Dutch bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, walking tours.
Tours: Ghost tours, art walks, history strolls, or custom adventures.
Booking: With Marchelle at Montagu Tourism kiosk (Montagu Country Hotel, Bath Street).
Why visit: A fun, flexible way to see the town through a local’s lens.
Go day tripping | Where the road leads next
When you’ve soaked up Montagu’s magic and are ready to roam a little further, a handful of neighbouring storybook towns and scenic drives lie less than an hour away—each with its own flavour, history, and surprises.
#1 McGregor | A fairy-tale village frozen in time.
Highlights: Whitewashed cottages, quiet lanes, art studios, donkey-cart rides, and a creative community spirit. (Speaking of donkeys. Pay a visit to the Eseltjiesrus donkey sanctuary just outside McGregor.)
Best time to visit: Friday–Monday (many places closed midweek).
Why visit: Perfect for dreamers, artists, writers, whiskey drinkers, and those looking for a slow-paced escape.
#4 Swellendam | One of South Africa’s oldest towns with timeless charm.
Highlights: Tree-lined streets, heritage architecture, and a buzzing Saturday farmers’ market under the oaks. An impressive ‘moerderkerk’ showcasing a fusion of Baroque, Gothic, and Cape Dutch styles.
Don’t miss: Swellengrebel Street, Grace + Merci, Art de Olivia, Tredici.
Why visit: A blend of history, food, and small-town atmosphere at its best.
#3 Barrydale | Quirky, eclectic, and full of whimsy, Barrydale is where roadside diners meet artisan weavers and bakers.
Highlights: Legendary milkshakes at Diesel & Crème, artisan weavers, local art, and the Saturday market at Môreson.
Don’t miss: Barrydale Weavers, Karoo Art Hotel, Mud.
Why visit: For travellers who like their road trips with a dash of personality and playfulness.
#4 A scenic extra - the Tradouw Pass | Wind your way along 16km of beautiful views, rugged cliffs, fynbos, and lookout points of the Tradouw Valley.
Route idea: Start with breakfast in Barrydale, then take the pass via Suurbraak to Swellendam.
Interesting fact: Tradouw" means "path of the woman" in the old Khoi language.
Don’t miss: A stop at Drupkelder cave for breathtaking valley views.
Why visit: A road trip that turns the journey into the destination.
Montagu may be small, but it is full of surprises that make your stay unforgettable, and its surroundings overflow with flavour, stories, and scenery. From sipping Cap Classique under the oaks to taking in mountain views on a tractor ride, every stop adds another layer to your journey.
Use this guide as your starting point, but be sure to wander and discover your own favourite spots.
The magic of Montagu lies in the slow, unplanned moments: chatting with a local farmer, spotting tortoises on a sunset trail run, hearing church bells on a Sunday morning, or enjoying mountain views with a takeaway coffee and croissant in hand.
However you choose to spend your time, Montagu rewards curious travellers with experiences you won’t find anywhere else - and chances are, it will give you more than you came looking for.
Written by Leanne Johnson
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