Tulbagh

Photo taken by Johan Dempers of Aerial Images

Tulbagh is an historic town deep in the Cape Winelands of the Western Province, South Africa. The beautiful Cape Dutch architecture coupled with the stunning scenery of the Witzenberg Valley, make Tulbagh a popular tourist, conference and wedding destination.

European settlers first discovered the valley in 1658 and the town itself was developed in 1743 when the museum church was built. The town boasts the largest concentration of National Monuments in a single street in South Africa, which gives it a special charm. To appreciate the history and culture of the area, visit the excellent Oude Kerk Volks Museum Complex and De Oude Drostdy Museum.

Set in the fertile Witzenberg Valley, Tulbagh is surrounded by majestic mountains and amazing views. Producing wine, olives, wheat and over 70% of SA’s plums as well as peaches and pears, you can imagine how beautiful the valley is in spring – with the myriad fruit trees in blossom and a carpet of wild flowers – it is a sight to behold.

Summer is hot and dry, ideal for the grape harvest. Autumn has magnificent colours when the vines turn to gold and winter is crisp, with clear days, cold nights and snow-capped peaks.

Do the Tulbagh Wine Route. Some of the best wines in the world, let alone in South Africa, are created in this verdant valley. The long tradition of winemaking has been enhanced by modern methods of viticulture and the area has been responsible for many firsts – the first white wine to be produced in South Africa, the first night harvesting and one of the first organic wine farms.

Tulbagh is also an ideal base from which to tour other wineland destinations like Wellington, Paarl, Malmesbury, Riebeek Kasteel, Worcester, Rawsonville, Franschhoek, Picketberg, Porterville and Stellenbosch. These are all within a 45 minute drive from Tulbagh and Cape Town is only 125km away.

Visit Tulbagh Dried Fruit, (a working farm), during the week and take a free tour to see how fruit is harvested and dried on mats in the sun. The farm shop sells all local products and delicacies. +27 (0)23 230 0960

There is no better way to explore the Tulbagh valley than to hire a mountain bike and set off. Cycle through the historic town and see the winelands from the saddle. Hire mountain bikes at the Cape Dutch Quarters, where you will also get permits, further information and maps. 24 Church Street, Tulbagh: Landline +27 (0)23 230 1171 or +27 (0)23 230 0721 or +27 23 2301375: Mobile: +27 (0)79 051 2059

If this is not your chosen mode of transport, then put your boots on and head for the hiking trails.

The Silwerfontein Hiking Trails are set on the 1000ha Silwerfontein Guest Farm, a natural heritage site and a beautiful place to hike, with one of the best overnight caves in the country. Other trails include the Waterfall Forestry Reserve: Easy access and a 15-minute walk to the waterfall and rock pools and the Murludi Hiking Trail, which offers two popular hikes in the Winterhoek Mountains (4 or 10 km) with fynbos, birdlife and small game. +27 (0)23 230 0732. Permits, further information and maps available from Tulbagh tourism. Cape Dutch Quarters, 24 Church Street, Tulbagh: Landline +27 (0)23 230 1171 or +27 (0)23 230 0721: Mobile: +27 (0)79 051 2059.

The Tulbagh area is ideal for horse riding – the magnificent scenery of working wine and fruit farms and the mountainside vistas are hard to beat. HorseAbout is found between Tulbagh and Ceres, on the majestically beautiful Fable Wine Farm, for a great riding experience.

Whatever you do, be sure to work up an appetite because Tulbagh is a food and wine lover’s paradise. Sample beautiful Belgian chocolates and excellent coffee at Monikis; Dine at Paddagangs Restaurant, buy the best quality dried fruit, honey, and homemade preserves and let your taste buds explore the Tulbagh Olive Route.

And when you are done with activities, visit the Christo Coetzee Gallery and Museum which showcases the work of this famous South African artist or Stones and Succulents if you are a fan of the cacti family or are interested in rough or tumbled stones or visit Marmelade Angel, an exclusive gift and souvenir shop which also displays local artists’ work at 34 Church Street.

For entertainment, the Saronsberg Theatre has hosted big names and shows and also hosts midweek Blues/Jam sessions on Wednesday nights.

The beautiful Tulbagh Hotel is in a traditional Cape Dutch building dating back to 1859. Situated in the heart of historic Tulbagh village, the hotel is a 4-star grading and is proud of its cuisine and wine list.

For more information on this area see ShowMe Breede River Valley.