In 37 degree heat, I fought with myself on whether to actually leave the air-conditioned confines of my car and make the 2 minute walk from the car park to the winery. For wine's sake, and want of a refreshing glass of something white/pink/cold, I braved the rays. Thank goodness my better judgement won.
A weekend in Tulbagh was just what the doctor ordered, and despite the excessive heat, it was amazing to see the quality that comes from such a dry region.
Here are some of my suggestions which hopefully inspire you to make the trip.
Wineries to visit:
Lemberg
With four bouncing bulldogs to greet you, this is a
small winery with great wines and an enthusiastic team.
The tasting room is small, neat, but modern, with mass amounts of artwork covering the walls.
If you're lucky, a bulldog will sit on your feet.
I think their blanc de noir is a delicious example of a
'pink drink' and their pinotage is scrumptious.
Rijks
One of the most popular wineries in the valley and
boasting a considerably rich track record, Rijks produces epic Pinotages and
Chenin blancs.
The tasting room may be a little bland, but the view and the wines that you will taste will blow you away.
Pierre Wahl is the head winemaker and every year he continues to make magic.
It's R10 per wine which does feel overly extravagant however, you get a decent pouring and an in-depth description from the tasting room staff .
Without a doubt, their Pinotage Reserve is a head turner.
Saronsberg
If Rijks knows pinotage then Dewaldt Heyns, head winemaker at Saronsberg, knows shiraz and every year, it performs phenomenally.
A fire in 2004 destroyed the tasting room and many of the
vines but in 10 years, Saronsberg have consistently produced award-winning
wines each and every year. There is no stopping this estate, and I wouldn't
have it any other way.
Their Brut tastes like fresh apples and vanilla custard,
I love that. Their 2011 shiraz will knock your socks off.
Waverley Hills
Organic wines never have to be dull, and at Waverley
(They were the first organic farm to achieve the Biodiversity and Wine
Initiative Championship status in 2009) you will find a cracking good bubbly
and a stunning array of fynbos.
For the more adventurous, there is a hiking trail and a jungle gym for children.
All vineyards are irrigated with pure mountain
spring water and are located on a natural watershed area where both the Breede
and Berg rivers originate.
To consider:
For a lovely cab sav, head to Manley but buy a bottle rather than paying for a tasting because you will be disappointed with the service.
Theuniskraal do riesling, which is available to buy in most Fruit and Veg shops. Always a good wine choice to have with those Thai-food nights.
Places to stay
A weekend getaway is a must and Tulbagh is a good place to go with a small group of friends. I would recommend the following places to stay:
Rijks
For a luxurious stay, Rijk's Country House offers 15 elegant and modern rooms with the added bonus of being opposite the Rijks tasting room.
Saronsberg cottages
For self-catering accommodation for a large group fo friends/family, Saronsberg is a great spot. Each cottage, and there are 16, boasts a spacious layout and is well-equipped.
Montpellier
"Montpellier provides a romantic setting for a
country getaway, with a charming hillside chapel, a picturesque wedding venue
and an old Cape-style guest house."
They are also advertising themselves as a fantastic wedding venue.