Out and about in Tulbagh
Out and about in Tulbagh
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa's different wine-growing appellations.
South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
That the district of Tulbagh is included in the Coastal regional is a peculiarity of the classification system as it is an inland area, well removed from the cooling influence of maritime winds. The defining geographic feature of the district is that it is surrounded on three sides by towering mountains.
Soils vary considerably and thanks to the different altitudes and aspects provided by the mountainous terrain, there are numerous different microclimates facilitating the production of a wide number of grape varieties.
WHAT TO DO
Walk the main thoroughfare of Church Street, which boasts the most national monuments of any street in South Africa. Tulbagh suffered a major earthquake in 1969 with many of the fine old Cape Dutch buildings in the area damaged, but this served to galvanise efforts to restore and preserve them. Today there are few towns where the architectural heritage of the Cape is better displayed.
Winters are cold in Tulbagh with frost and snow often occurring on the higher mountain peaks. What better scenario for the annual Christmas in Winter festival, to be celebrated on 26 and 27 June in 2010. Eggnog and glühwein, hearty meals and the Rock with Santa party. Tel 023 230 1348.
WHERE TO STAY
Buchanan's Brook features one 2-bedroom and two 1-bedroom selfcatering cottages on a small farm 3km outside town. Furnishings are elegant country-style and all have private patios with braai facilities, swimming pools and panoramic views of the mountains and vineyards. The large dam on the farm may be used for canoeing and fishing. Tel 023 230 1258, www.buchanansbrook.co.za.
Rijk's Country House is situated on the same property as Rijk's Private Cellar, source of some of the best wines in the district. Rooms are spacious, furnishings combine the modern with country to off er understated comfort. Meals are served in the Que Sera fine-dining restaurant. Tel 023 230 1006, www.africanpridehotels.com/rijks-country-house.
WHERE TO EAT
Colin and Teresa Pielow, previously chef-proprietors of two successful restaurants in Ireland, now run Pielow's, the menu determined according to the finest, locally sourced, fresh produce. Tel 023 230 0432, www.pielows.co.za.
Readers is situated in the oldest house in Church Street, built by the local surgeon in 1754. It was purchased by the Church on his death two years later, as a home for the Reader (sick comforter). Silwood-trained Cordon Bleu chef Carol Collins is your host and the menu changes daily depending on the availability of fresh produce. Tel 023 230 0087, www.tulbagh.net/readers_restaurant.
