Stops to make along the world’s longest wine route

South Africa’s Route 62 takes you from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and is an alternative to the N2 highway.

The road takes you past breathtaking scenery, idyllic farming towns, historic attractions, and fruit and wine farms. These ten stops will make your Route 62 road trip even more epic.

1. Montagu

Montagu is a quaint town of old Dutch buildings and panoramic views of the mountains. Stop off in Montagu and stock up on dried fruits and nuts from Montagu Snacks for your road trip.

2. Barrydale

Picture: Jordyn Johnson

This quirky, colourful town has unique galleries and shops you can meander your way through. However, your number one priority in Barrydale should be Diesel and Creme Diner for a gourmet milkshake or a giant waffle.

3. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Picture: Getaway Gallery

What’s a South African road trip without a stop at a game reserve? Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is 18 km west of Barrydale, situated beneath the Warmwaterberg Mountains. It offers a Big Five safari experience and focuses on conservation and environmental sustainability.

4. Ronnie’s Sex Shop

Frank Ronald (Ronnie) Price purchased a farmer’s cottage along the R62 to sell farm fresh produce. He painted ‘Ronnie’s Shop’ on the outside wall, but business didn’t go as well as planned. As a joke, his friends added a word to the name to make it ‘Ronnie’s Sex Shop.’ Since then, this produce-stand-turn pub has attracted thousands of visitors for a pint and picture of themselves next to the famous sign.

5. Calitzdorp

Picture: Jordyn Johnson

Calitzdrop Cellar has won Champion Cooperative Winery of the Little Karoo twice, and the wines you taste here are a testament to those awards. Sip on Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinotages, and Sauvignon Blancs, among many other types, while looking out at the mountain views from their outdoor tasting area. (Make sure the designated driver doesn’t do any wine tasting.)

6. Porto Deli

Porto Deli serves food inspired by Mozambique, Portugal, and the Karoo. This popular restaurant is frequented by many who stop by during their Route 62 road trip to indulge in their delicious spicy seafood and meat dishes.

7. Oudtshoorn

Picture: Getaway Gallery

Stop off in Oudtshoorn for a walk through the Cango Caves. This network of limestone caverns is fascinating to explore with one of the professional and knowledgeable tour guides.

READ: Unveiling the marvels of the Cango Caves

8. La Dolce Vita

Situated in Oudtshoorn, Many travellers love to stop off at La Dolce Vita for a large portion of pasta, fish, steak, or pizza and a cold draught. It’s a vibey restaurant that often hosts quiz nights and live music events to keep your road trip interesting.

9. Swartberg Pass

Although you’ll have to take a detour, Swartberg Pass is highly rated by most people who’ve visited it. Take a scenic drive through this majestic mountain pass in the heart of the Swartberg Mountains.

10. Meiringspoort

Meiringspoort is a breathtaking 16 km pass that is also not exactly on the R62 but still worth the visit. Stop off at the waterfall, which you can access for free, for a picture and a picnic before continuing your Route 62 road trip.

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