Posted by Graham

NCCR Robertson Train Wine Tour

  • Posted 1 year ago
  • Activities and Clubs|Local Stories

Robertson Steam Train,
Wine Tour

Enjoy a relaxed steam hauled trip through the stunning vineyards and open veld of the Breede River and Langeberg Valley, both forming the Cape Central Valley.


Book Now

Train 3632

New Cape Central Railways

Launched 16 September 2023

Swellendam Tourism
“All Aboard”

“I LIKE TRAINS. I LIKE THEIR RHYTHM, AND I LIKE THE FREEDOM OF BEING SUSPENDED BETWEEN TWO PLACES, ALL ANXIETIES OF PURPOSE TAKEN CARE OF: FOR THIS MOMENT I KNOW WHERE I AM GOING.”

THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING

A motley crew stood on the platform outside the once glorious station building in Robertson, gazing across the tracks to where the steam train was gently hissing and smouldering. Everyone had a special reason for being there on this auspicious day, and while they all knew there could be hiccups or technical issues, the excitement outweighed any anxiety…

The group included winemakers, engineers, interior designers and investors who had all been part of this adventure. Today was – not quite the culmination of – but certainly a significant step on the way to the final magical vision of a steam train tour through the stunning vineyards of Robertson, Bonnievale, Ashton and Worcester.

Some of us ancient ones felt a surge of nostalgia as we heard the steam pressure hiss and the whistle shriek, reminding us of our innocent childhood days. (I was a British kid in the 50’s who travelled alone for five hours every summer to see Nana, ‘in the charge of the guard’ and others had their own tales of boarding school trips from their northern farms)
For many of the youngsters, it was their first time on a train… and their excitement was palpable.

Departures: Robertson Railway Station

Children under 3 travelling with a parent are free

Adults: R595.00
Children (3-12): R330.00
Under 3 years: No charge
Departure Times: 10h00 and 15h00
Trip duration 3 hours – 3.5 hours
IMG_4293
IMG_4295
IMG_4301
IMG_4302
IMG_4304
IMG_4306
IMG_4319
IMG_4323
IMG_4324
IMG_4326
IMG_4327
IMG_4330
IMG_4332
IMG_4334
IMG_4340
IMG_4344
IMG_4349
IMG_4352
IMG_4353
IMG_4354
IMG_4356
IMG_4374
IMG_4380
IMG_4382
IMG_4387
IMG_4388
IMG_4391
IMG_4394
IMG_4395
IMG_4405
IMG_4410

The train’s exterior was plain and unassuming – there are plans to spruce it up, but for now the only sign of something special inside was the logos of the wines on the carriages – Robertson Winery, Bonnievale Wines and other guest wineries hosted by La Verne.

Once on-board, passengers were free to wander between carriages, sampling the different wines, chatting to fellow travellers, and enjoying the delicious platters available from the deli-carriage, prepared by on this occasion by Kokkedoor contestant Bertus Fourie (Asador).

The wines were something – and the views were something else! Glorious carpets of vibrant wildflowers rolled out in spectacular fashion, with citrus orchards adding even more depth of colour. Every now and then, wild animals such as kudu and duiker could be glimpsed. Gentle rural scenes of farm cottages unfolded, children excitedly waving at the train:  a photographer’s dream – especially with the ever present breathtaking backdrop of the Langeberg Mountains.

One can only imagine the seasonal differences to be revealed – the vineyards first blossoming in spring, the lush vines of summer and the red-gold post-harvest farms – snow on the mountains in winter and waterfalls in the rainy season– every time one takes the train there will be a different experience to revel in.

To make a booking for the train go to https://nccr.co.za.

Whose On Board?

bonnievale wines
La_Verne_Logo_Website_1000x667.png
Robertson Winery

Subscribe to the Swellengram

Get daily local info via email.

Contact Details

Developed by Evolution Media House