Situated in a horse-shaped valley just 80kms north of Cape Town; the historically-rich town of Tulbagh is a popular weekend destination for city slickers looking to ebb life stresses away. Nestled in amongst three towering mountain ranges, Winterhoek, Witzenberg and Obiqua, Tulbagh provides a slow-moving, peaceful way of life to its residents.
Any wine connoisseur will tell you that Tulbagh produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, where prominent wine estates such Twee Jonge Gezellen, Drostdyhof and Theuniskraal are found in the ‘Het Land van Waveren’ valley - a region that has been cultivating wines for over a century now. With the combination of extreme temperatures and diverse soil types, wine varietals that are wholly unique to the region are created. Apart from the production of wine, Tulbagh’s economy is driven by the cultivation of fruit, where peaches, pears and 70% of the country’s plums are farmed.
The centre of Tulbagh is a hubbub of activity, where the town’s main road, Church Street, is lined with Victorian and Cape-Dutch style buildings. Following a near-devastating earthquake in 1969, 32 of these buildings were considerably damaged. However, they have since been restored to their original forms, with each building having been dubbed a national monument to commemorate their survival of the earthquake.
Tulbagh hosts numerous festivals and happenings that occur throughout the year. In June, locals get into the festive spirit with their annual ‘Christmas in Winter’ event. Appreciators of art flock to the town in September for the ‘Tulbagh Spring Arts Festival , where the best visual and performance arts in the Western Cape are put on display.
While the town is known for its fine wines and rich culture, visitors will also be pleasantly surprised at the warm hospitality of the locals. If you’re looking to extend your visit, enjoy a comfortable night’s stay at the luxury hotels or self-catering establishments found in Tulbagh and surrounds.
Those looking to travel further afield will be privy to the sights of protea flowers and herbs, both of which grow wild along the sides of the road. Holidaymakers looking to take a keepsake home with them can take a visit to ‘Crystal Care’. Being considered a treasure trove for general knickknackery, visitors can buy a selection of arts, crafts, homemade jewellery and gifts for family and friends back home. Horse therapy is a popular activity in Tulbagh, where the therapeutic powers of animals are explored. While weary travellers can take comfort in the healing gifts of these majestic beasts, these sessions are more geared toward individuals with disabilities, emotional or psychological problems.
