The Tulbagh valley has always been celebrated for the beauty of its setting and the historical significance of its town. In more recent times, wine has moved centre stage and visitors to the valley can now enjoy a wide range of wines from the various estates and private cellars wines that have received a string of national and international awards including Diners Club Wine Maker of the Year, a healthy spread of gold and double gold Veritas awards, and numerous others.
The town of Tulbagh boasts 32 provincial monuments on Church Street and the surrounding vineyards grow alongside orchards and fields of wheat.
Here’s a look at some of the experiences we loved on a visit.
Taste wine out of the barrel at Oude Compagnies Post
Located on the slope of the Saronsberg Mountain, just outside Tulbagh, Oude Compagnies Post has a picturesque view of the valley and some delicious wines you just have to try. The winemaker Dirk Swanepoel will take you on a personalised tour and will let you taste some wine out of the barrel. The farm is beautiful and they have great accommodation on offer if you’d like to stay for a night or more.
Appreciate contemporary art at Saronsberg Cellar
Effective art and good wine have something fundamental in common: they move you. Experience both at Saronsberg Cellar where you can enjoy a wine-tasting and then browse their impressive collection of contemporary art. From large bronze sculptures to fine art from different movements, the art will leave you inspired. You’re bound to recognise the names of many local artists showcased by the cellar. You can enjoy a cheese platter and nibbles on the patio outside while you soak up the view of the mountains and its reflection on the dam.
Savour more local wine
The secluded Tulbagh valley is surrounded on three sides by the Groot Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua mountains. The wine route is dotted with graceful old estates, interspersed with conspicuously new vineyards and architecturally designed state-of-the-art cellars, as well as a handful of micro-producers and boutique wineries. Here history and tradition work hand-in-hand with innovation.
Take your time and savour the local wine scene – visit some of the other cellars in the area too:
Have an olive experience at Oakhurst
At Oakhurst you’ll meet people so passionate about olives that they’ll make you feel another level of excitement over this tiny fruit. Taste their olive oil varieties and enjoy olives in multiple shapes and forms. We particularly enjoyed the olive marmalade and tapenade.
Remember at the De Oude Kerk Volksmuseum
At the end of Church Street four buildings make up the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum. The first is an old church built in 1743 that now houses artefacts, furniture, art and souvenirs from the town’s past. Across the street the Earthquake Museum is home to a collection of photos and personal accounts documenting the historic earthquake and its lasting impact in a beautiful way. There’s also a Victorian House Museum and a Pioneer House Museum that each depict the lifestyle of a time long past. This trip down memory lane will give you some context on the town and its history before we time travel back to the present.
Shop at Made in Tulbagh
Locally made goods and products are becoming more sought after as community members turn to support locals artisans. Tulbagh has a beautifully curated retail space Made in Tulbagh specifically focused on items made in the area. From clothing to accessories, soaps and art you’ll definitely find a gift for yourself or a loved one while you browse this beautiful concept store.
Experience a unique stay in Tulbagh
Tulbagh offers a wide array of accommodation from cosy self-catering cottages, to Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel and Rijks Wine Estate & Hotel and other farm stays.
If you would like to try something more unique, consider the Geodome at La Bruyere Farm, the Cellar Loft Apartment or Treehouse at Montpellier, the Deluxe Family Tree Lodge @ Vindoux Guest Farm & Spa or a nature reserve stay at Welbedacht Nature Reserve or Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve.
