Ditch the Franschhoek crowd: Discover the quiet magic of the Tulbagh wine route
Discover the magic of Tulbagh's wine route.
Image: Instagram / tulbagh
While everyone knows the famous Winelands, Tulbagh offers a refreshing change of pace for your next weekend drive.
It is the perfect remedy for those who want to avoid fighting for parking spots or dealing with the crowded tasting rooms.
Don’t get me wrong, the more famous routes are iconic for a reason, but sometimes you want the wine without the over-the-top commercial hype.
About 90 minutes from Cape Town, tucked away in a mountain basin that feels like a hidden cinematic masterpiece, lies a wine route that will take your breath away.
It’s quiet, historic, and, most importantly, authentic. There’s a rustic, unpolished charm here, where the person pouring your glass might just be the person who made it.
Because the valley is surrounded on three sides by mountains (the Obiqua, Winterhoek, and Witzenberg ranges), it creates a unique "cold trap" effect.
This gives the grapes a distinct character you won't find in the warmer coastal regions.
If you’re ready to trade the crowds for some serious mountain views and world-class Shiraz, here are three stops you absolutely cannot miss.
Saronsberg Wine Estate
If Tulbagh had a "showstopper," this would be it. Saronsberg is where high-end art meets high-end wine.
The tasting room is a contemporary masterpiece, featuring a massive bronze sculpture and an interior gallery that’ll make you feel like you’re in a chic Manhattan loft.
They are world-renowned for their Full Circle (a Shiraz-led blend), but even their entry-level Rosé is a vibe.
Twee Jonge Gezellen (Home of Krone)
Stepping onto this estate feels like stepping back 300 years. This is the home of Krone, and if you’re a fan of bubbles, it’s essentially your pilgrimage site.
They specialise in Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), and the estate itself is famous for pioneering "night harvesting" in South Africa to keep the grapes cool and crisp.
Grab a tasting on the raised terrace. Sipping vintage sparkling wine while looking out over the valley is the ultimate "I’m on vacation" moment.
Rijk’s Wine Estate
If you want to taste what Tulbagh is truly capable of, go to Rijk’s. This family-owned farm decided years ago to focus almost exclusively on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, and boy, did it pay off.
It’s a bit more intimate and low-key than the big estates, offering that genuine country hospitality that the valley is known for.
Their Pinotage is legendary. Even if you think you aren't a Pinotage fan, this one might just change your mind because it’s elegant, silky, and far from the "smoky" stereotypes.