Between two mountain ranges, the Langeberg to the north-east and the Riviersonderend mountains to the south-west, the Breede flows through a flat valley. This is Bonnievale, 9,092 residents at the 2011 census. The town is known for dairy farming and cheese, and Parmalat has a plant here. And for wine: Bonnievale is a ward of its own in the Robertson wine district. German Wikipedia lists twelve cellars without saying when it counted them. In May 2026 the Breede flood also hit Bonnievale Wines.
- residents, 2011 census
- 9,092
- town founded
- 1922
- to Robertson
- 31 km
- from central Cape Town
- 187 km
It began in 1902 with a railway halt called Vale on the line from Worcester to Voorbaai. The station was renamed Bonnie Vale in 1917, the town followed in 1922 and municipal status in 1953. The writer Breyten Breytenbach (1939 to 2024) was born in Bonnievale. Among the estates is Weltevrede, founded by Klaas Jonker in 1912 and now run by the fourth generation, with Chardonnay, Cap Classique and underground cellar tours. German Wikipedia says it has the only vineyard in South Africa declared a national monument, but gives no source.
- Time needed
- half a day from Robertson
- From Cape Town
- 187 km, 150 minutes
Our tipPlan lunch at Weltevrede: Kapokbos, the restaurant on the estate, received a star at the 2026 Eat Out Awards. Allow a little over 40 minutes for the 31 kilometres from Robertson; figures of 20 kilometres are too short.
Wine estates in and around Bonnievale
Bonnievale: frequently asked questions
What is Bonnievale known for?
Bonnievale on the Breede River is known for dairy farming and cheese, with a Parmalat plant, and for wine from the ward of the same name in the Robertson wine district. One of its estates is Weltevrede, with Chardonnay and Cap Classique.
How far is Bonnievale from Robertson?
Bonnievale is about 31 kilometres south-east of Robertson, a little over 40 minutes by car. From central Cape Town it is 187 kilometres, a little over two and a half hours without traffic.
Is there a good restaurant in Bonnievale?
Kapokbos, the restaurant on the Weltevrede wine estate in Bonnievale, received a star at the 2026 Eat Out Awards.