From Bonnievale to Ashton, Route 62, South Africa 

The Route 62 is commonly known as the Longest Wine Route in the World, and Ashton is the 11th official stop along this picturesque route, between the towns of Bonnievale and Montagu. A small town of just 23 square Kilometres in size, and a population at around 12 000 people, and in true Route 62 style, it is a quaint and idyllic town. 

They have five Wine estates to explore in Ashton, with some very well known names, which include Arabella, Zandvliet, Kleinhook Kloof, BlueCove Wines and Ashton Winery. Or if you have limited time, you can just pop into Platform 62 to choose your favourite wines (read further below). 

Seeing life in Ashton through a born and bred farmers eyes, opens the whole area up to you in a new light. FarmerRedBeard and his family have lived and farmed in Ashton for since the 1700's. He has opened up his farm for visitors to experience some of their everyday farm life, which includes beekeeping, (and honey tasting), fruit picking,  wine tasting, or give them a hand at making some of their famous chutneys, jams and preserves (you will need about 3 - 4hours to do a full preserve making experience!  They also have hiking and cycling trails that start from their farm. So it is a lovely spot to experience a lot of the feel and flavour of Ashton.  Contact them to see what they are offering at the time of your visit.

One of the most popular stops at Ashton is Platform62, where you will find an old steam locomotive, which was used on the Worcester/Mosselbay Rail route, from 1919 until 1983.   For those that never got to visit all the wine farms along the longest wine route in the world, the Route 62, then you can make up for it at Platform 62, which offers over 500 wines from 50 different wine cellars. So you can stock up on your favourites as well as some new ones! 

They also have an authentic local restaurant, called "The Shed" which offers local dishes, with an indoor and outdoor section, and it is family friendly too. 

Another recommended foodie stop would be the LaMont Deli (cheese producer) is situated between Ashton and Swellendam, and they have paired up with Van Loveren wines to offer a Cheese and Wine pairing experience at this quaint little Deli. 

As you prepare to leave Ashton, headed towards Montagu, you should leave some time in good light to travel along the Cogman's Kloof pass, which is exceptionally beautiful. It is a gorge through the Langeberg mountains that is made from sandstone, and part of the Table Mountain Mountain group. The pass was constructed in the 1800s' by Thomas Bain.  Get your Camera's ready!!