Cruising with wine down the Breede River...

The 

Picture this. A perfect summer's day, a picnic with cheese, wine & other delicacies and a slow cruise down the Breede River in one of the most beautiful areas of the Western Cape, the Robertson Wine Valley. Introducing Viljoensdrift and the slow boat.…

I was invited to experience their barge cruise and picnic two weeks ago. What a treat. From McGregor, where I was staying for the second weekend in a row (yes, that’s how much I love it), it’s a 10 minute drive to Viljoensdrift, scenically gorgeous too.

First thing you see on arrival at the estate is a lush green lawn dotted with people lazing about on the grass enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Inside I met Zonia Lategan one of the winemakers, Ashley Jaftha from Sales and Marketing and fortuitously, Fred Viljoen, one of two brothers who own this amazing farm. Turned out Fred and my husband Paul knew each other so while they chatted, I went with Ashley to select a few gourmet items from the well stocked deli for our on-board feast. My wine of choice was the Single Vineyard Pinotage 2014  Vitis Vinifera double gold winner 2015 and I could see why - so smooth, with “Incredible rich black red colour-superb balance…concentrated dense fruit, great complexity….”  to quote their own description. 

Feeling a bit like Red Riding Hood with my picnic basket in the crook of my arm, stuffed with delectables, I stepped onto the flat bottom boat, named Uncle Ben 2, with husband and son in tow, and off we sailed on a 50 minute cruise down the Breede. What glorious views flank the river and it was so fabulous to be able to enjoy it all over a glass or three of top notch vino, ciabatta rolls oozing ripe camembert and fig preserves, and smothered in smoked olive tapenade, boerkaas cheese and basil pesto. You should be having #fomo right about now!

The cruise costs only R50 for adults and includes a wine tasting prior to departure. For children between 3 and 12 years, it’s R20 pp.  The boat can accommodate 38 people and departs daily at 12:00pm, irrespective of the number of people. Thereafter trips are hourly depending on bookings (a minimum of 6 adults or a minimum amount of R300 will be required to let the boat depart).  Advanced bookings are essential via +27 23 615 1017 or email rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za. Check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure. Don’t be late*

With thanks to Mira Weiner from Hot Oven Marketing for this opportunity.