Montagu Vines

Welcome to Montagu Vines!

Montagu Vines is 4 star guest house situated in the historic conservation area of Montagu, on the world famous “Route 62” in the Western Cape. Interestingly, the village of Montagu remains one of the last custodians of Victorian architecture in South Africa. The name “Montagu Vines” originates from the old vineyard planted on the property after the devastating floods in 1984, which washed away the original apricot orchard. At the guest house, we offer our guests a taste of old-fashioned comfort and luxury in this scenic village.

Accommodation is offered in one of the five garden rooms overlooking the newly planted olive grove, which complement the stately Victorian style main house, built between 1900-1910. You can relax in the splash pool, set in the tranquil gardens with magnificent old oak and milkwood trees. Alternatively, you could lounge on the lawns enjoying the glorious views of the surrounding mountains whilst sipping a glass of Chenin Blanc.

Montagu Vines is just a stroll away from the centre of Montagu with its amenities that cater for all tastes and interests. There are restaurants, coffee shops, bistros, historic churches and tranquil gardens for the visitor to enjoy. For the outdoor enthusiasts, Montagu is world renowned for its rock climbing, mountain bike trails and numerous other activities.

This guest house is the perfect place for those intimate weekends, birthdays, and anniversaries or as a stopover whilst discovering “Route 62” and all it has to offer. You may be lucky and see the “resident” owls perched in the old oak tree or meet one of the big tortoises in the olive grove that visit from the adjacent nature reserve.
Stop by for a visit and leave feeling relaxed and refreshed for the journey ahead!

The New Olive Grove and Other Developments

Following the heavy damage done to the former vineyard, an olive grove is being established. To date, 350 olive trees have been planted, consisting of the following varieties:

Frantoio 175
Mission 50
Carotina 125

Owners Campbell and Ursula have reclaimed the farmhouse for their private use and in April 2012, the building of 3 additional Garden Rooms, lounge, dining room and kitchen, will be built on the south west side of the property, with stunning views over the Olive Grove and surrounding mountains. These rooms will be slightly larger, more modern and have air conditioning. It is hoped that the building will be completed in September.

What Montagu and its surrounds have to offer

The quaint village of Montagu lies nestled between two mountains in western Kannaland. It was once known as “Agter Cogmans Kloof”. A unique rural atmosphere distinguishes Montagu as one of the best-preserved late Victorian villages in the Cape. It is strategically situated between the Garden Route and Cape Town. It passes through beautifully preserved villages where it seems as though time has stood still. These villages include Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp.

The weather is perfect – far enough south to escape the heat of the “Klein Karoo”; yet far enough north to get away from the long wet winters of the Cape.

In winter the days are warm and sunny with the occasional hint of rain. Spring Season brings a kaleidoscope of colours. From October one can expect long sunny days, with the fragrance of roses drifting on the air and warm balmy evenings.

The area offers a rich history – the most interesting museums being the Montagu Museum, Joubert House (the oldest local house), the British Fort, the old Mission Church and the natural gardens in the village.

The healing powers of the Hot Springs have been enjoyed for over 200 years. The water is a continuous flow through the complex. Day visitors are most welcome (7 days a week).

The Robertson, Ashton and Montagu wine routes are close by. Some of the most well known wine farms are:

 Van Louvren
 Graham Beck
 Zandvliet
 Weltevrede
 Uitvlucht
 Bloupunt
 Rietriver

There are a variety of footpaths to choose from – “Lovers Walk” which passes the olive grove of Montagu Vines is ideal for that early morning stroll. You may come across Tortoises, Guinea fowl, “Dassies” (Rock Hyrax), Egyptian Geese and the odd Baboon or small Buck.

Montagu also offers the following activities in or around the village:

 Tennis, Squash and Bowls
 9 Hole Golf course
 Rock climbing
 Fishing
 Bird watching
 Game Reserves (Sanbona which has the big 5).
 Neil Burger’s tractor ride to the summit of the Langeberg (with the optional “potjiekos” as a must)
 Walks and Hiking
 Hot Springs (Avalon Springs is situated 3kms out of the village)
 Horse riding
 4×4 Routes
 Quad Bike trails
 Mountain Biking
 Monteco Nature Reserve