Route 62
ルート62
World's longest scenic wine touring route in South Africa
About Route 62
Route 62 is a scenic, self-drive touring route rather than an official Wine of Origin (WO) appellation. Following the R62 highway for roughly 850km along South Africa's historic inland road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, it is widely promoted as the world's longest wine route. As a wine-focused itinerary it strings together cellar doors across three separate WO districts: Breedekloof and Robertson in the Breede River Valley, and Klein Karoo further east through Montagu, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and De Rust. Because it crosses multiple appellations rather than representing a single terroir, Route 62 is best understood as a curated touring corridor: travelers move from the irrigated river-valley vineyards of Breedekloof and Robertson into the semi-arid Klein Karoo, celebrated for fortified Port-style wines, Muscadel and brandy, alongside a growing range of quality dry whites and reds.
Best for
Road-trippers, fortified-wine fans, and travelers who want to sample multiple Cape wine districts in one scenic self-drive.
Food Pairings
The route's Klein Karoo fortified wines (Port-style wines and Muscadel) pair well with blue cheese, biltong and dried fruit from farm stalls, dark chocolate, and Oudtshoorn ostrich dishes; the drier whites from Robertson and Breedekloof suit lighter fare along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Route 62 an official wine appellation?
- No. Route 62 is a scenic touring route along the R62 highway, not a Wine of Origin (WO) region — it links the separate WO districts of Breedekloof, Robertson and Klein Karoo.
- How long is Route 62?
- The full inland corridor between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth runs roughly 850km, often cited as the world's longest wine route, though most wine travelers focus on the Klein Karoo stretch between Montagu and De Rust.
- What wine styles is Route 62 known for?
- It is best known for fortified Port-style wines and Muscadel from Calitzdorp and Montagu, plus brandy, alongside increasingly good dry whites and reds from Robertson and Breedekloof.
- Which towns should I stop at for wine tasting along Route 62?
- Robertson, Montagu, Barrydale, Calitzdorp (home to Boplaas and De Krans) and Oudtshoorn are the key wine-tasting stops on the route.
- When is the best time to drive Route 62?
- Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the mildest weather and most comfortable driving conditions.