Tulbagh

Tulbagh
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
Time zone	SAST (UTC+2)
Postal code

Tulbagh's main street with the Winterhoek Mountains beyond

Tulbagh is a town in the Tulbagh valley and is situated in the Witzenberg Local Municipality, with the valley called "Die Land van Waveren" locally. Closest towns are Wolseley, Prince Alfred's Hamlet, Gouda and Ceres in the Boland (Highland) district of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

The valley has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Bushmen and Khoi peoples. It was about 300 years ago when, after a land grant by the Dutch Colonial Government to a more or less equal number of Dutch and Huguenot settlers to settle the area, that the town of Tulbagh was founded. The town developed slowly and over time and in the period many notable examples of Cape Dutch architecture, Victorian and Edwardian houses and other buildings such as Die Oude Drosdy (the original colonial Magistrate's complex) were built in the valley. Many of these lovely buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in 1969 but quite a number did survive the catastrophe. Church Street in Tulbagh is now graced by the largest number of original Cape- Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian National Monuments in one street in South Africa and is a major tourist attraction of the town to the present day.

Tulbagh is situated in a bowl surrounded by imposing mountain ranges, with the Obiqua Mountains to the west, the Winterhoek Mountains in the north and the Witzenberg Mountains to the east. The valley experiences a mediterranean-type climate. The southern side of the valley is open to cooling south-east winds during the hot summer months. Accordingly Tulbagh enjoys some of the most diverse and attractive conditions for viticulture in the Cape, and the differences in terroir available to wine makers allow for a wide diversity of distinctive wines of excellence, attributes which have attracted many new producers to the valley.

Wine production

The historic winefarm Montpellier de Tulbagh near Tulbagh

Wine has been produced for many years in the valley on a commercial scale but only recently has this industry developed so rapidly. There are now numerous and some world famous wine estates producing award winning wines in the valley.

The importance of this industry for the valley is unquestionably substantial, so much so that many of the producers are now part of the Tulbagh Wine Route and this is attracting more and more tourists to Tulbagh who are eager to sample the fine wines produced by the members.

Many new vineyards have been planted and more private cellars are either being planned or being built to cope with the expected volumes of top quality wines being produced.

External links

Red wine maturing in oak barrels

• Tulbagh Information - a wealth of information

Wineries

TWEE JONGE GEZELLEN ESTATE Cradled in the Tulbagh valley, the estate is surrounded by rugged mountains and is widely considered one of the most beautiful, family-run estates in the Cape. It boasts a history of 300 years and a legacy of innovation, individuality, momentum and ever-unfolding success.

THE HOUSE OF KRONE was formed to recognize the significance of Nicky Krone's contribution to the brand and to differentiate the Krone family's Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines from its Twee Jonge Gezellen still wines.

• The House of Krone - Méthode Cap Classique

Saronsberg Estate Steeped in history but when building the new cellar they were faced with a real challenge. Instead of trying to recreate old Cape Dutch charm a spot with panoramic views was chosen and seven majestic oaks to juxtapose with a modern building. The tasting room links an ultra modern stainless steel fermentation cellar and the traditional wood maturation cellar. Expansive glass panels afford a view of operations in both these cellars from the tasting room with its huge fireplace.

• Saronsberg Wines - A Passage to All Senses.

Schalkenbosch Estate The vineyards are situated high up on the slopes of the Witzenberg mountain range overlooking the picturesque Tulbagh valley. The soils are similar to those found in the Rhone Valley in France and the vineyards enjoy a unique micro-climate. A late sunrise is due to the shadow of the mountain. Cool mists occur most nights, which when coupled with warm day time temperatures, create ideal conditions for the production of premium quality wines.

Three different labels regularly produced on the Estate: Schalkenbosch, Edenhof and ISIS.

• Schalkenbosch Wines - Biodiversity in Wine - Champion.