Reserve Cape Blend by Rooiberg Winery 2019

Robertson Valley lies just east of coastal Cape Town, and has emerged as one of the towering regions of the South African wine route. This is a region of breathtaking landscapes – from picturesque towns, to expansive valleys with sprawling vineyards, and a mountainous backdrop which also serves as a climatic moderator for the grapes grown here. The wines are a reflection of this beautiful corner of the world. Robertson Valley has become a beacon for those seeking freshness, elegance and expression, and Rooiberg’s Reserve Cape Blend is a wine that displays trappings of the energy and unmistakable identity of this place.

Founded in 1964, Rooiberg has long been known for over-delivering on quality at very affordable prices, which has made it one of the most loved wineries in the country. The estate is as picturesque as the region it’s in, known for its ‘love-lock wall’ where lovers seal their commitment to each other by attaching a padlock inscribed with their names to the wall – locking their hearts together forever. The estate reminds me of bygone eras where you’d stop to stretch your legs on a long family road trip. It’s a place where you can fuel up on the local, freshly baked pastries, breads and farm fare while the kids twirl around on the lawn.

​The story of Rooiberg Winery is that of a group of pioneering wine farms alongside three rivers surrounding the Rooiberg Mountain, which overlooks the cellar and its vineyards. Each river – named Vink, Noree and Breede – is a significant geological feature which gives rise to extraordinary terroir, and led to the establishment of Rooiberg at this location. The rivers run through limestone-rich soils, which have long been prized for sparkling and white wine production. Beyond the high limestone content, the soils can also vary from sandy loam to red clay loam and Karoo clay.

This part of the Robertson Valley, known locally as “The Valley of Vines and Roses,” also produces red wines of distinction.