Snug cottages, superb wines, soaring surroundings – that’s Saronsberg
It has been too long since I last visited Tulbagh and my recent sojurn was too short, but better than nothing. After chatting to Flippie Jordaan of Theuniskraal about his indigenous planting programme along the banks of the Klein Berg rivier, we popped into Readers for an early lunch – but, alas, hit on the one day that Carol Collins isn’t open. But she was there doing admin – and ever hospitable, offered to rustle up salads and more. We declined this kind gesture and bought the makings of a picnic, before heading to Saronsberg for an appointment with cellarmaster and farm manager Dewaldt Heyns.
Everywhere in Tulbagh you are surrounded by mountains, but at Saronsberg I felt particularly encompassed by the Winterhoek, Witzenberge and other peaks enfolding the vineyards, the modern cellar and tasting centre, the beautiful statues outside and within. The artwork in that building calls for a lengthy visit with a glass of Saronsberg viognier in hand.
Having missed the recent vertical tasting of Saronsbergs fine shiraz, held at the Waterfront, my daughter and I were treated to a solo presentation by Dewaldt of these and other Saronsberg fine vintages, as the sun slipped lower behind the peaks and an almost tangible peace descended on the farm.
Later we drove past paddocks to our well-equipped cottage with two en-suite bedrooms, every kitchen appliance one could think of, and decided to stay inside for sundowners and supper as the temperature dropped dramatically. After a snug night we were reluctant to pack and leave the next morning, but its easy to recommend this little horseshoe of self-catering cottages for anyone looking for a home base while exploring the Land van Waveren. And Church Street is as beautiful as ever.
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