So, you’re planning a trip to the Western Cape, but you have no idea what you want to do once you get there?
Well, it’s a freight day to go for a ride on a train! Better yet, the Robertson Wine Train!
Sounds exciting! Where will I find this ‘Robertson Wine Train’?
The Robertson Railway Station – where the wine locomotive can be found and only runs on Saturdays is in Robertson, Western Cape. The Locomotive is part of the Transnet Heritage Collection left at the Dal Josaphat depot for years – which had been rusting away under a tree before it had been restored and is now the very same locomotive you might be getting the chance to travel on.
That’s great! Now how do we go about booking the experience?
It is important to pre-book your trip as there are limited spaces available. You can pre-book online by using their website. Just go to Swellendam.com/nccr-robertson-train-wine-tour.
Are we still in the same carriage? After you have made the drive to Robertson Railway station – be sure to arrive 30 minutes to an hour before departure time – and make your way over to the office to check-in. There you will receive your boarding pass which doubles as your tasting card, and a glass of wine. It is very important that you keep your ticket and your wine glass on your person. Why? You must hand it to the ticket inspectors. Now you can find a seat in your train car and enjoy the experience one sip at a time!
The Robertson Wine Locomotive is ideal for wine-lovers and train-enthusiasts, especially if you are at the beginning of your wine-tasting journey. Featuring a selection of wines from Robertson, and other guest wineries, you will have ample opportunity to find a wine according to your taste.
That’s a lot of wine-tasting! How will we stay on track until we return to the station?
The trip offers a light lunch: A selection of cheese boards and pizzas provided by ‘Spasie Trein Kombuis’, which can be purchased on the train. As well as views not usually visible should you have taken the same route by car.
Wine not your drink of choice? With a small selection of craft beers available on the train, you will have something other than wine to enjoy throughout the trip. It is wise to take note that the craft beer is not included in the ticket price.
But what will I wear?
The entrance and passages on the train are quite narrow, so remember to dress comfortable. Comfortable shoes for the trip are the way to go! You do not want to be sliding around the carts when a turn is approaching making for quite the slip ‘n slide train ride.
If you did not know what type of activities you will be doing during your stay up until this point, the Robertson wine train should have been on your bucket list long before you have reached the end of this article!
