Did you know that Tulbagh boasts the highest concentration of declared historical monument buildings in South Africa? A devastating earthquake rocked the region in 1969 severely damaging many of them, but they have all been lovingly restored and give the town the feel of an 18th-century village. Located only an hour and a bit away from Cape Town, this is one of the greatest little treasures of South Africa.
Stay at The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel.
This boutique hotel offers old-world charm with the convenience of contemporary facilities. It is the second time I stay at this beautiful hotel, and it was refreshing to see that some familiar faces are still working there, which explains why The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel has an enviable reputation for its customer service and attention to detail.
The main hotel building dates from 1859 and offers a range of contemporary-styled luxurious rooms. The Winterhoek Manor (1813) and the Toll House (1809), opposite the hotel, are two of the heritage properties in Church Street, offering charming period rooms; individually decorated with fine cotton linen adorning four-poster beds, chandeliers, and yellowwood floors.
What I love about The Tulbagh Hotel is that it is conveniently located for exploring the historic town, museums and art galleries, and is also only a few minutes’ drive from the numerous award-winning wineries, olive farms, horse-riding and mountain bike routes.
Where to eat in Tulbagh.
Tulbagh is renowned for its wine route, local cheeses, Belgian chocolates, and olives, but it also is home to some of the most charming and best restaurants I have eaten. From pizzas to delis or a picnic under the trees, Tulbagh has restaurants and eateries for the whole family. If you are spending a weekend in Tulbagh, I can recommend you try out the following places.
Breakfast at The Olive Terrace Bistro at The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel.
I recommend you try their Egg Royale – two poached free-range farm eggs served on sweetcorn and pumpkin fritters with rocket and smoked salmon trout topped with hollandaise sauce. The restaurant also offers an à la carte lunch and dinner menu and is an eclectic celebration of South African and international cuisine, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Lunch at Things I Love.
Delicious, delightful and decadent is the only way to describe this farm-style-meets-city chic deli and bakery. It is the perfect venue to enjoy a crisp cold wine in their garden courtyard.
Cocktails and Tapas at The Karee Wine Bar.
This newly added addition to The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel offers local draught beers, craft gin cocktails and a wide selection of local wines. They also have a tapas menu, with a South African influence, and gourmet pizzas from the wood-fired oven.
Dinner at Paddagang Restaurant.
Paddagang Restaurant is set back on Tulbagh’s picturesque Church Street. It has an impressive setting and let’s not speak of the food! At Paddagang you find mouth-watering examples of the finest Cape Dutch and Cape Malay cooking.
Wine Farms to visit in Tulbagh.
The wineries of Tulbagh range from intimate, homely cellars that produce honest wines to boutique estates known for their award-winning labels.
Montpellier Wine Estate Tulbagh.
Our first wine tasting started with the breathtaking Montpellier which was established in 1714 by two Frenchmen from the city Montpellier (“Spyseniersberg” or “Chef’s Mountain”) in France.
This estate offers a romantic setting for a country getaway, with a charming hillside chapel, picturesque wedding venue and old Cape style guest house. Wine tastings take place either in their manor house or outside their manicured gardens. If you love a great red wine as I do, I highly recommend trying their Spysenierberg “Blue Label.”
Saronsberg Wine Estate.
Nestled at the foot of the mountain after which it is named, Saronsberg Wine Estate is a contemporary addition to the rich heritage of Tulbagh valley and no stranger to some of my older readers. I have visited this wine estate twice in 2017 and discovered some of the best reds the country has to offer. Some of my favorite wines from this estate include the Provenance Shiraz, award-winning Full Circle and their Grenache.
With the above suggestions, I hope you start planning your girls getaway today to Tulbagh.
During my trip, I was reminded again that even with a weekend filled with activities, it is essential to spend time connecting with friends. Tulbagh was the perfect escape for us to enjoy each other’s company and really connect without the worry of time. The beauty of Tulbagh and the excitement and freedom you feel when visiting this small town took the experience to the next level and we spent the entire weekend laughing, smiling and buzzing with happiness.
