Only an 80 minute drive out of Cape Town, Tulbagh remains one of the more underrated weekend getaways available to those living in Cape Town.
Sunburst House, which is part of the Bergsicht Country Cottages, is a stand-alone cottage that is located close to the main road that leads to Vrolikheid Farm. With three bedrooms, comfortably sleeping six, the charm of this cottage is the outside entertainment area, complete with a braai and small plunge pool that overlooks the valley.
Weekend Finds in the Valley
Oakhurst Olives
Oakhurst Olives, situated on the farm Lemoendrif in the Tulbagh Valley and housed in a magnificent architectural structure, offers corporate and personal functions, weddings, with picnics to follow.
In the spacious upstairs area, a tasting of their award-winning extra virgin olive oil and Kalamata olives is an enlightening experience and wonderful introduction to their products – I highly recommended it.
Saronsberg Wine Cellar
Twee Jonge Gezellen, well known for their Krone Borealis MCC, had a private function on the Saturday we were visiting the valley, and so the next stop after Oakhurst Olives on the road back to the town centre was Saronsberg Wine Cellar.
The drive up to the modern cellar and tasting room is dotted with magnificent sculptures.
Wines most enjoyed from their extensive range, were the more affordable Saronsberg Seismic Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc and Malbec which had delicious red berries and cassis flavour. Then their flagship wine, Full Circle, a blend of Shiraz, with small amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier, which again had red berry flavours, with ripe plum and undertones of spice. Silky tannins with a long finish, this wine has aging potential and can be enjoyed over the next ten years.
Tulbagh Hotel
Arriving back into the centre of the town, pub styled lunches under umbrellas on the attractive veranda at the Tulbagh Hotel, which overlooks the main road, is a relaxing way to end off a Saturday exploring the valley. An added attraction is their newly established gin bar which stocks some interesting local and foreign gins – our choices on the day were Wixworth Gin and one of my favourite locally produced Gins – Six Dogs.
Makers Mark
The new find in Tulbagh we stumbled upon on Sunday morning, while exploring Church Street, was Makers Mark, which is both contemporary and inspirational. A modern concept of displaying traditional art with an outside area of funky art.
A Mediterranean styled area for light meals for breakfast and lunch. Liquor licence on its way, but all other beverages are available. One is also welcome to bring your own.
