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  INFORMATION:
   TULBAGH 

Routes
Province: Western Cape
Tulbagh Wine route


Tulbagh Wine
The Tulbagh Valley is home to some of the finest wine estates in the Western Cape. In this section we would like to take you through the valley and introduce you to the major producers under our "Wine Producers" section. 

We also are exploring and documenting a fine wine estate in the making in our "Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards...the birth!" fly on the wall feature, the tale of a startup venture looking to create the ultimate red wine on the soils of our very own Tulbagh Valley.

Wine Producers
Twee Jonge Gezellen 
While the distinguished Krone Borealis Cap Classique bubble remains the speciality at this three centuries old family estate, its current 90% white wine vineyard complexion is poised to change. In 1998 30 ha. of red wine varieties - shiraz, merlot, pinot noir - were established, the Krones practicing the solution they preach to the problem of the Cape's general wine surplus: "Uproot unpopular cultivars; plant sought after varieties". Night-harvesting, a practice pioneered in the Cape in 1985 by Nicky Krone, continues to give TJ-by-night a harvest festival atmosphere, the vineyards twinkling with pickers wearing miner's head-lamps. No machines supplanting people here: Nicky and Mary Krone strongly believe that South African wine producers have a job-creation responsibility, and their labour intensive, hand crafted approach to the making of their wines reflects this conviction. Newly tweaked labels, with a crackle effect evoking a starry night-harvest sky are among recent innovations; a romantic pink sparkler joins the range, and a new winemaker, Leon Mostart, ex Zandwijk, has added to the cellar expertise. Building on a long history of achievement (back in 1959, for example, 15 medals at the Cape Wine Show, forerunner to today's national championship), and imbued with the Krones' personal blend of thoughtfulness and creativity, TJ is renewing itself for the new millennium. Mary Krone's description of their veteran TJ 39 blend sums up: "The old favourite given new life"* John Platter, South African Wines, 2000


Theuniskraal Estate
The Jordaan family's 18th century estate, fringed by towering Witzenberg peaks, has been synonymous with (Cape) riesling since the variety was first bottled under the farm label in 1948. Black grapes such as cabernet, shiraz and ruby cab., now being planted, will eventually extend the food-friendly, non-showboating house style into a fresh dimension.* John Platter, South African Wines, 2000

Tulbagh Co-operative Winery Ltd
In this fertile valley known as "Het Land van Waveren" lies South Africa's oldest co-operative wine cellar.Tulbagh Co-operative Winery has been producing quality wines since 1906. Situated in the picturesque and rich in history hamlet of Drostdy, the winery can be found on the WInterhoek road leading out of Tulbagh.Our winemaker, Michael Krone, is a young man from this valley. As a third generation winemaker, he has come to respect the traditions, and learn the secrets, involved in the making of fine wines. But he is also innovative, creative and refreshing in his approach to wine.Whether it be the soft and easy drinking red, or the fresh and piquant dry whites, his choice guarantees a fine wine of outstanding value.A visit to our cellar will provide a wide choice of such wines. 


Drostdy Hof 
Established 1906, this venerable Tulbagh winery, now under SA Wine Cellars wing, is part of Cape wine lore. So too is low-profile wine maker Frans du Toit, with more than 30 crushes below the winter snow-capped Witzenberg peaks to his credit. And is there anything young and fresh here amid the gabled history? Just the usual focus on quality, consistency and value, which have made the Chardonnay and Light SA's top sellers, and the export labels major hits in their respective arenas.* John Platter, South African Wines, 2000


De Heuvel 
The vineyard and winemaking at De Heuvel conform to the integrated wine production standards recently set by the wine and spirit board.The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes used are from our own vineyards producing quality, modern style, early drinking wine, which has matured in small French and American oak barrels.The wine makes and excellent companion with appetisers, meat and pasta dishes.


Lemberg Wine Estate 
Lemberg Wine Estate, 4 kms west of Tulbagh, is a working boutique winery, where almost everything is still done by hand with highest emphasis on quality. The farm was established in 1978 and bought in 1994 by Klaus and Uschi Schindler, from Germany. The emphasis here lies on organically grown vines, careful and strict selection of grapes (which are handpicked at night) and gentle and natural treatment in the wine cellar. Lemberg achieves high quality wines, full-bodied, fruity and low in sulphur.


Kloofzicht 

Rijk's Private Cellar