Ashton Winery: A Robertson Valley Treasure with a Sweet Twist
The sun was high, the Breede River sparkled in the distance, and the Langeberg Mountains stood sentinel as I pulled into Ashton Winery, a gem tucked along Route 62 in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley. As a wine blogger for CapeVineMaster.co.za, I’ve visited my fair share of estates, but Ashton’s unpretentious charm and innovative tasting experiences left a lasting impression. From its rich cooperative history to its diverse wine portfolio and a chocolate pairing that had my taste buds dancing, my day at Ashton was a delightful blend of rustic warmth and refined flavor. Yet, like any adventure, there were moments that shone brighter than others. Join me as I recount my visit, weaving through the winery’s past, its wines, its activities, and a tasting room experience that’s worth the trip alone.
A Cooperative Legacy Rooted in Community
Ashton Winery’s story began in 1962, when a group of 46 local farmers banded together to form Ashton Kelder, a cooperative cellar in the heart of the Robertson Valley. Originally named Roodewal, the winery was renamed Ashton Winery in 2016 to reflect its deep ties to the quaint village of Ashton, nestled between Robertson and Montagu. By 1963, the cellar was processing 2,130 tons of grapes, a modest start that has grown to an impressive 24,000 tons annually from 60 shareholder farms today. This cooperative model is the backbone of Ashton’s success, allowing access to a diverse range of terroirs and grape varieties across the valley’s unique soils—from the alluvial banks of the Breede River to the rocky slopes of the Langeberg foothills.
The winery’s viticultural practices, honed over generations, capitalize on the region’s Mediterranean climate and varied soil types, producing grapes of exceptional quality. Ashton’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its organic farming initiatives on select member farms, which prioritize natural soil nutrients and eco-friendly methods. The cellar itself is a powerhouse, boasting South Africa’s only de-ionized grape concentrate facility and supplying bulk wine to major brands, yet it retains a community-focused ethos. Walking through the estate, I felt the pride of a collective effort—a winery built by farmers for wine lovers, with a legacy of resilience and collaboration. However, I couldn’t help but wish for more storytelling during my visit; a guided tour delving into this cooperative history would have added depth to the experience.
A Diverse Palette of Wines
Ashton Winery’s portfolio is a testament to its access to 27 grape varieties from its 46 member farms, crafted into an array of white, red, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines, plus non-alcoholic grape juices. The winery’s winemakers balance tradition with innovation, producing wines that suit every palate. Here are the highlights from my tasting:
- Sauvignon Blanc 2022: A standout, with vibrant green apple, citrus, and a touch of minerality. Its crisp acidity was refreshing, though I found it slightly one-dimensional compared to top-tier Sauvignon Blancs from Stellenbosch.
- Pinotage: Smooth and oak-matured, offering ripe dark berries and a mocha finish. It was versatile, pairing well with meats, but the oak felt a tad heavy, masking some fruit purity.
- Chenin Blanc: Peachy and slightly creamy, with a balanced finish. A crowd-pleaser, though it could use a touch more acidity for vibrancy.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot: Well-balanced with dark berries and eucalyptus, supported by fresh oak. It’s a solid blend for casual sipping, but lacks the complexity for long-term aging.
- Shiraz: Bold with plums, mulberries, and delicate white pepper. Its full-bodied palate was a highlight, though the finish was shorter than I’d hoped.
- Noble Late Harvest: A sweet, rich dessert wine with toffee and Muscat notes. Perfect with chocolate, but a bit cloying if sipped solo.
- Roodewal: A sensuous red blend with dark fruit, cassis, and cigar box notes. It’s a bold choice for steak or chocolate desserts, but its limited availability was a letdown.
- Chardonnay (Limited Release): Elegant with fruit and subtle oak, but it felt overshadowed by the stronger reds in the lineup.
The wines are affordable, with most bottles under R100, making them accessible for everyday enjoyment. Free delivery in the Western Cape for orders of 12 or more bottles is a nice touch. While the quality is consistently good, I found some wines leaned too heavily on oak, which could overpower their natural fruit profiles. A lighter touch in the cellar could elevate these to the next level.
The Tasting Room: A Chocolate and Wine Extravaganza
The highlight of my visit was Ashton’s tasting room, a modern, family-friendly space with panoramic views of the Robertson Valley. Unlike the sometimes stuffy tasting rooms of other estates, Ashton’s vibe is relaxed yet professional, with a jumping castle for kids and a welcoming staff that made me feel right at home. The star of the show? Their signature chocolate and wine pairing, a six-wine, six-chocolate experience that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Priced at around R80 (a steal!), the pairing matches Ashton’s wines with Belgian chocolates, each accompanied by tasting notes to guide you. My journey began with the Sauvignon Blanc paired with a zesty lemon-infused white chocolate, the citrus notes amplifying the wine’s crispness. The Pinotage with a dark chocolate praline was a revelation—its mocha undertones harmonized perfectly with the wine’s berry richness. The Roodewal, with its cassis and cigar box profile, met a milk chocolate with hazelnut, creating a decadent, lingering finish. The Noble Late Harvest paired with a caramel-filled chocolate was pure indulgence, though I found the sweetness a tad overwhelming by the end.
The setup is thoughtful, with each chocolate carefully chosen to enhance the wine’s flavors, and the tasting notes were beginner-friendly yet informative. However, the experience wasn’t flawless. Our server, though friendly, seemed new and stumbled over some wine details, which could frustrate serious oenophiles. I also wished the chocolates were slightly larger—some were bite-sized, leaving me craving more. A narrated introduction to the pairing process would have added polish, but overall, it was a highlight that made me grin like a kid in a candy store.
Beyond chocolate, Ashton offers other food pairings that elevate the tasting experience. Their sandwiches, made with fresh, homemade bread and a signature sauce, were a hit—my chicken and pesto sandwich was flavorful and perfectly complemented the Chenin Blanc. The Kiddies Pairing, featuring grape juices with sweet treats, is a genius touch for families, keeping little ones entertained while parents sip. I sampled a mini cheese platter, which paired beautifully with the Shiraz, though the portion was modest for the price. For those craving more, nearby restaurants along Route 62 offer farm-to-table cuisine, as Ashton lacks an on-site restaurant.
Activities to Savor at Ashton Winery
Ashton Winery is more than a tasting room—it’s a family-friendly retreat that invites you to linger. Here’s what you can do during your visit:
- Wine Tastings: Beyond the chocolate pairing, standard tastings are free, showcasing six wines with optional guidance. The modern tasting room’s valley views are a bonus, though it can get busy on weekends, so book ahead.
- Chocolate and Wine Pairing: As described, this is the must-do experience. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
- Kiddies Pairing: A fun, inclusive activity for kids, pairing grape juices with sweets. It’s a rare winery feature that makes Ashton stand out.
- Picnic Experiences: Gourmet picnic baskets filled with deli treats can be enjoyed among the vineyards. The setting is tranquil, but I wished for more shaded spots on the hot day I visited.
- Kids’ Play Area: A jungle gym and jumping castle keep children entertained, making Ashton a top pick for families.
- Shopping at Cellar Prices: Wines are sold at affordable cellar-door prices, and the free delivery offer for bulk orders is a perk. Stock shortages, like the Roodewal I wanted, were a minor frustration.
- Scenic Relaxation: The winery’s location, with views of the Breede River and Langeberg Mountains, is perfect for unwinding. However, its proximity to the R60 road slightly detracts from the tranquility.
The estate’s family-friendly vibe is a major draw, but the lack of guided vineyard tours or historical exhibits felt like a missed opportunity. Adding a short walk through the vines or a display on the cooperative’s history could enrich the visitor experience.
A Positive Yet Critical Review
Ashton Winery is a Robertson Valley treasure that delivers exceptional value and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The chocolate and wine pairing is a standout, blending fun and flavor in a way that’s accessible to novices and aficionados alike. The wines, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage, are well-crafted and budget-friendly, reflecting the cooperative’s commitment to quality. The family-friendly amenities, from the kids’ play area to the Kiddies Pairing, make it a versatile destination for all ages. The staff’s kindness, like the owner’s help to stranded travelers, adds a personal touch that’s hard to beat.
That said, there’s room for refinement. The tasting room staff could benefit from more training to deliver consistent wine knowledge, especially for discerning visitors. The chocolate portions in the pairing were a tad small, and the picnic area could use more shade. The wines, while solid, sometimes lean too heavily on oak, which can overshadow their fruit character. Stock shortages and the lack of guided tours or historical insights were minor letdowns, as was the R60 road’s faint hum.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Ashton Winery was a joyful escape, filled with laughter, learning, and a few extra bottles in my boot (thanks to those cellar prices!). The chocolate and wine pairing stole the show, turning a simple tasting into a sensory adventure that I’ll be raving about for months. The winery’s cooperative spirit, diverse wines, and family-friendly charm make it a must-visit on Route 62, whether you’re a local or a tourist. Just book your tasting in advance, bring sunscreen for the picnic, and prepare to fall in love with Ashton’s unpretentious magic. I left with a smile, a few new favorite wines, and a craving for more of those chocolates. Here’s to Ashton Winery—simply live, simply love, simply wine.
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