Saronsberg is situated 5km outside the historic town of Tulbagh on the slopes of the Saronsberg Mountain, only 90 minutes from Cape Town. We had the opportunity to visit this beautiful estate recently and were in awe at the beautiful views paired with delectable wines.
A bit of history
Flanked on all sides by mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley, Tulbagh is utterly unique in its topography and natural beauty. It was this special character that attracted the first settlers here over three hundred years ago, and the same quality which led to the selection of Tulbagh as the site for Saronsberg winery. Recognising the distinctive terroir and potential of the valley, Saronsberg has joined the mission initially led by Rijk’s Cellar to prove the region’s capacity for producing wines of outstanding quality.
Saronsberg consists of two farm portions formerly known as Waveren and Welgegund. The farm originally formed part of the beautiful and historic Twee Jonge Gezellen (TJG) until it was divided between the two Krone brothers in the 1950s. Waveren and Welgegund, which lie on either side of TJG, were acquired in 2002 and renamed after the commanding mountain whose slopes are home to a portion of their vines: Saronsberg.
The winemaker
Dewaldt Heyns, who has been the head winemaker since 2003, is passionate about every aspect of the winemaking process, which is unique and quite labour intensive. Handpicking, intensive sorting of the berries, a gravity-fed fermentation cellar and focus on attention to detail are key to the phenomenal success Saronsberg wines have consistently enjoyed since the maiden vintage in 2004. This consistent performance has led to Dewaldt being nominated and accepted as a member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 2008.
Wine tasting
The cellar is a contemporary building with a beautifully finished tasting room. Earthy textures were combined with contemporary touches in this spacious area from where visitors have views into both the hi-tech fermentation cellar and the maturation cellar whilst being surrounded by Saronsberg’s contemporary art collection. Enjoy tasting a variety of wines for only R100 p/p which is waivered if you purchase wine for R100 or more.
The MCC really stood out for us
The MCC has a translucent colour with a slight green edge and a prominent mousse. Delicate flavours of toasted biscuit, creamy lees and fresh apple end with a long, elegant, dry finish. A liqueur with a small amount of barrel-aged Chardonnay was used and 5 g/l sugar was added.
The Saronsberg art collection
Saronsberg is home to a collection of contemporary South African art. Saronsberg Cellar nurtures a unique artistic heritage of South Africa and continuously extends this heritage with new influences in order to evolve within a changing society. The collection features three unique characteristics: it hosts a diverse South African art historical record, secondly, it displays artworks in a unique and intimate way and finally it offers a significant sculptural component.
The collection spans from early twentieth-century South African history, Modernistic pieces influenced by indigenous cultures and Europe, such as Bettie-Cilliers Barnard and Walter Battiss, the Polly street centre era featuring Sydney Khumalo, to modern Contemporary fine artists such as Robert Hodgins, Norman Catherine, William Kentridge, Colbert Mashile, Angus Taylor and Diane Victor and many more.
Accommodation in the vines
For some of the most comfortable and well-appointed accommodation Tulbagh has to offer, the Vineyard Cottages are perfect for couples, families, friends looking to get out of the city or even business travellers.
At Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages, guests have the choice of 16 modern self-catering cottages, each with its own patio overlooking beautiful mountain views, modern furnishings, well-equipped self-catering kitchens and convenient amenities. The perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine while you snack on a cheese board and prepare a braai.
The decor throughout the cottages reflects cool textures, tones and colours while modern South African art adorns the walls. Our crystal blue swimming pool and Lapa is the best place to unwind and catch some sun.
Set amongst vineyards, these cottages are a must-stay if you are visiting Tulbagh for a night or two!
