Discover the beauty of the Witzenberg Valley

Only 90 min from Cape Town, via the N1 and Michell’s Pass, you will find the majestic Witzenburg Valley tucked away in amongst four mountain ranges.

To the west is the Nuwekloof Pass stretching from Tulbagh to Wolseley, including Ceres and the area up the Gydo, Theronsburg and Swaarmoed passes. This valley is known to have the oldest fruit producing orchards in the country, specialising in apples, peaches, plums, pears and grapes. Whether you’re looking for breakaway accommodation, wedding venues, outdoor adventures, breathtaking nature scenes or even a festival, the Witzenberg Valley is a must see.

Did you know?

During winter the surrounding mountains are covered with snow and the valley is often known as ' Little Switzerland'.

Tulbagh

– a cultural history & wine scene

Five minutes outside Tulbagh off Straatskerk road you will experience the warm hospitality and welcoming staff at Kloofzicht Estate and Farm Deli. The estate includes a farmhouse that can sleep 11 people, two cottages that sleep four each and a loft above the deli that can accommodate nine people, all selfcatering. Guest have full access to the entire estate, swimming pool and dam.

Just off the R44, 4km west of Tulbagh, you will find yourself at the Lemberg Wine Estate where you can indulge in a wine tasking experience. Order a delicious cheese platter and just take in the peaceful surrounding. All the grapes are produced in the Tulbagh Valley and they even make their own olive oils. Wine tastings are R50 a person and can be booked via email wine@lemberg.co.za

A must see is the beautiful De Oude Drostdy Museum, build in 1804 by the French architect Louis Michel Thibault, originally the magistrate of Tulbagh. The museum is a national monument and houses a fine collection of early Cape furniture and household articles.

On 29 September 1969, disaster struck Tulbagh with a 6.3Mw earthquake that damaged the Drostdy, but after being restored in 1974, today belongs to the Historiese Huise van S.A Bpk. June 2021 | 43

Markus Ehehalt bought

Manley Wine Estate

in October 2020 as a boutique wine farm and private cellar with bed and breakfast accommodation. These award-winning wines are available directly from the estate or can be ordered online via their website. Markus imports all his white grapes from Germany and produces his red grapes locally in the Tulbagh valley. Tastings are R70 a person and can be booked via bookings@manleywinelodge.co.za

A mere 13km outside Tulbagh on the R46 you need to stop at the Fynbos Café & Farmstall for a quick lunch and a browse with locally made sauces, spices and décor items, it’s a local treasure.

The surrounding area is known as an animal rehabilitation centre with 13 animal species. Campsites are located on the outskirts of the farm and can accommodate 13 people – perfect for getting away from busy city life.

Ceres

– cider brewing and outdoor fun

In the heart of the Ceres Valley on Ezelfontein road, you will find yourself at Loxtonia Cider, home of the family-run farmstead that makes fine, handpicked apple ciders. All apples are 100% natural, freshly pressed and fermented to produce a quality cider.

Call or email Jacqui (+27 83 639 0405 or cottages@sevenoaks.co.za) to fin out more.

If peace and quiet is what you're after, then booking in at the Kaleo Guest Farm, off the R303 outside Ceres in the heart of the Koue Bokkeveld, will not disappoint. Whether you’re booking into the luxury manor house, cottages or roughing it in the campsites, Kaleo has you covered. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching or just enjoying the newly build ‘watergat’ entertainment area.

Heading back, best you make a stop at the Hamlet Country Lodge, conveniently located in the main road, for either a quick breakfast, lunch or a refreshing drink at the bar.

Wolseley

– gin, wine and chocolate making

Have you ever wondered how gin is made? A quick pop in at Monks will not only please your taste buds, but will broaden your knowledge about how gin is produced. Monks uses only the best handpicked flavour-filled botanicals to infuse their gins. Book your gin tasting experience for R70 a person from www.monksgin.co.za

From a mind-blowing experience to exceptional hospitality, Seven Oaks is another stop you have to make. Owners Patrick and Jacqui will make you feel right at home while you enjoy some wine and chocolate tasting. Don't forget to look out for their new venture ‘safariwine’ where you can enjoy a wine tasting experience whiles being transported through the vineyards. For bookings visit

www.sevenoaks.co.za

On your way back home remember to pop in at Bosjes Estate where you can visit the famous chapel, an architectural masterpiece. Enjoy mouthwatering meals and homemade treats in the familyfriendly bistro or tea garden, or if you feel like staying a little longer, book into their luxury accommodation. Find out more at www.bosjes.co.za