Tulbagh – where time stands still

You would easily think that – driving down Church Street which is lined with national monuments of which there are 32 in Tulbagh. That is, until you learn that high-tech water management and advanced viticulture are practised here, realising the true potential of the valley to produce premium, internationally lauded wines.

Sculpture at Saronsberg

Many of the old buildings survived or where rebuilt after the 6.3 Richter scale earthquake in 1969. Our weekend accommodation was one such Cape Dutch house built in the H shape with reed ceilings 4 meters high.

Just 90 minutes drive from Cape Town, this beautiful and fertile valley is almost completely surrounded by mountains; the Obiqua, Witzenberg and Winterhoek ranges. There are extreme variations of day and night temperatures here which together with the mountainous terrain creates different meso climates beneficial to the vineyards. The isolated effect created by the mountains allows many of the vineyards to be farmed organically such as Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards.

It's hung like a mule!

By far the most impressive farm we visited was Saronsberg Private Cellar . In 2003 under the guidance of winemaker Dewaldt Heynes, the cellar was established. His passion is clearly reflected in the magnificent wines he crafts like Shiraz 2006 which is one of the best expressions of the cultivar that we have tasted. Dewaldt, in an audio interview, describes his wines as big but elegant. Shiraz is where his focus lies as the quality of the grape in the Tulbagh Valley is amazing.

Wines from this cellar which also impressed us are:

Saronsberg Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Saronsberg Full Circle 2007

Saronsberg Seismic 2006

Nick & Forti’s Epicentre Red 2006

Nick & Forti’s Viognier 2008

Provenance Shiraz 2007

Saronsberg tasting room is an ultra modern space on different levels housing a fantastic collection of art works including a piece by William Kentridge and works by Norman Catherine.

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