Tulbagh

Tulbagh, just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, shares borders with Paarl to the south and Swartland to the west and north. The region’s unique horseshoe-shaped valley provides a diverse range of terroirs for winemakers, with Shiraz being the dominant grape variety cultivated.

Tulbagh is surrounded by the Winterhoek Mountains to the north and the Witsenberg Mountains to the east. To the west, it is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Obiqua mountain range. This creates an amphitheater that has a significant impact on the region’s climate. While Tulbagh generally experiences hot and dry conditions, the valley’s southern end allows cooling southwest breezes to permeate the area. The mountains also create shadows that reduce sunlight exposure to the grapes, resulting in a longer ripening season and grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

Rainfall in Tulbagh averages around 20 inches annually, with most of it occurring during the winter months. This provides the vines with a long period of dormancy, allowing them to replenish their resources. When needed, the Klein Berg River serves as a vital water source for irrigation during the dry summer months.

The diverse topography of Tulbagh, including river plains and mountain foothills, offers various aspects, slopes, and soil types for vineyard planting. The river plains consist of pebbly and sandy soils, like those found in the Rhône Valley. On the higher slopes, shale and sandstone dominate, providing well-drained but low-quality soils. This scarcity of water and nutrients forces the vines to develop deep root systems, resulting in lower yields but very concentrated wines.

Shiraz is the primary grape variety cultivated in Tulbagh, often used in traditional Southern Rhône blends alongside Mourvèdre and Viognier. While Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux blends are less common, Chenin Blanc holds significant importance as the primary white wine variety. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also find their place in Tulbagh’s vineyards. Notably, the historic Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate produces traditional method sparkling wine under the Krone label.

Visitors to Tulbagh can explore the Tulbagh Wine Route, which encompasses ten member estates. These include both historic wine farms and modern wineries. Alongside wine tasting, the region offers opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and a glimpse into its rich colonial history, which dates back to the first Dutch and Huguenot settlements.