Saronsberg tasting room review
Saronsberg - Tasting Room Review
Approximately 130km north-east of Cape Town lies Tulbagh, a haven for hippies, artists and former jetsetters. It is also home to an ardent wine community, and nowhere is this combination of art and wine better than at Saronsberg. When asked, locals are unanimous that this arty cellar is a “must visit” and eagerly assist with directions.
Coming from Wellington, drive down the main road and take a left at the four-way stop. After about 3km, you will find Saronsberg to your right. A short dirt road leads to the modern tasting complex in all its earthy flair. Parking beneath the poplars is rather limited.
There is nothing subtle about this cellar. Even if you are not into art, the aesthetics simply impress, from the meditative lady-of-the-lake sculpture next to the dam to the statues that stare eerily from everywhere in the double-volume tasting room – a useful diversion as there is no-one to greet me on arrival. I have to ring the bell for service.
While waiting, I decide to view the rest of the art exhibited on the mezzanine level, with glass panels on both sides allowing patrons to view the cellar operations. After a while I saunter back to the tasting counter where Estie has arrived to pour the wines – except, to my disappointment, I discover that many in the Provenance range are sold out: the Brut NV, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and Mourvèdre/Viognier 2005. The Saronsberg Muscat de Frontignan 2007 is also sold out while the Nick & Forti’s Epicentre Red 2005 is not available for tasting.
There is no need to take a seat on one of the Phillipe Starck ghost chairs as the tasting is over in minutes – hardly worth the R25 fee that is only waived when you purchase wine. Estie doesn’t offer more information than the notes on the tasting menu and I am not in the mood to prompt. But when I ask for a generous pour of the Full Circle 2006, she obliges.
I note that the tasting room is wheelchair accessible, but how would they accommodate people in wheelchairs who want to view the art on the mezzanine level? Estie seems perplexed and suggests they view from the tasting area… Eh? Enjoying my wine underneath one of the huge oak trees, I struggle to decide whether the drive from Cape Town is worth it. Aesthetically, yes; economically, not so much.
Tel 023 230 0707; see www.saronsberg.com
OPEN: Fri 08:30 – 17:00, Sat &
public holidays 10:00 – 14:00
SERVICE: 5/10 – friendly and eager
to assist when prompted
AMBIENCE: 9/10 – a refreshing
move away from plain Cape Dutch
VALUE: 5/10 – should improve
when the 2008 ranges become
available
QUALITY: 8/10 – their red blends
are superb
