Tulbagh – Wines from South Africa's Mountain Basin

Tulbagh lies around 120 kilometres northeast of Cape Town – set within the horseshoe-shaped mountain basin of the Witzenberg, Groot Winterhoek and Obiqua ranges, one of the most striking backdrops among South Africa's wine regions. The wide swing between hot days and cool mountain nights gives these wines exceptional freshness.

Buy wine from Tulbagh online, right here – from bold, award-winning Shiraz to the rare Hárslevelű, delivered straight to your door.

Discover more about Tulbagh

The Tulbagh Wine Region

Tulbagh lies within the Coastal Region of the Cape and was granted official Wine of Origin District status back in 1971. The first vines here were planted as early as 1699. The region takes its name from Rijk Tulbagh, Governor of the Cape Colony from 1751 to 1771. Church Street, the main street of the town that shares its name, holds 32 heritage-listed buildings – the highest concentration of historic buildings on any single street in South Africa.[1]

Climate and Soils

The valley is framed by three mountain ranges that create an especially pronounced day-night climate: scorching summer days, often exceeding 35°C, are followed by cool nights draining down from the mountains – a temperature swing of 15 to 20°C that preserves acidity in the grapes and creates ideal conditions for sparkling wine. Soils range from sandy, gravelly alluvial soils on the valley floor, to acidic, low-yield Table Mountain sandstone on the slopes, to water-retentive clay loams of weathered shale, at vineyard altitudes between 200 and 600 metres.[2]

Grape Varieties from Tulbagh

Our range from Tulbagh includes Chenin Blanc, Shiraz (Syrah) and Pinotage as the mainstay varieties, complemented by Carignan and the aromatic white Viognier. A true rarity is Hárslevelű: this Hungarian variety was introduced in 1978 by winemaker Janey Muller at the Lemberg estate and first bottled under its own name in 1984 – to this day one of the rarest grape varieties in South Africa.

Notable Wine Estates from Tulbagh

Saronsberg Estate was founded in 2003 by Nick van Huyssteen, after a fire shortly after the purchase destroyed the existing vines on the property – the response was to plant 50 hectares of new vineyards. Today, Saronsberg produces South Africa's best-selling Shiraz and has already won over 400 gold and double-gold medals. Rijk's Private Cellar, named after Governor Rijk Tulbagh, was established in 1996 when Neville Dorrington discovered 137 hectares of uncultivated land in the Tulbagh valley; since 2011 the estate has focused on Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz. Lemberg Wine Estate, founded in 1978 by Janey Muller, was once known as the smallest winery in South Africa and remains home to the rare Hárslevelű to this day.[3]

Buy Tulbagh Wines from Us

Whether it's a bold, award-winning Shiraz from Saronsberg, a classic Chenin Blanc from Rijk's, or the rarity Hárslevelű from Lemberg – our range features authentic wines from one of South Africa's most history-rich wine regions. Order online with us today.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tulbagh

Where is the Tulbagh wine region located?

Tulbagh lies around 120 kilometres northeast of Cape Town, set within a valley framed by three mountain ranges.

Since when has Tulbagh been an official wine district?

Tulbagh was granted Wine of Origin District status in 1971, with the first vines planted as early as 1699.

Which grape varieties are grown in Tulbagh?

Our range includes Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Pinotage, Carignan, Viognier and the rare grape variety Hárslevelű.

What makes the Hárslevelű variety from Tulbagh special?

Hárslevelű is a Hungarian grape variety that has been grown almost exclusively by the Lemberg estate in Tulbagh since 1978.

Why is Tulbagh's climate especially suited to winegrowing?

The surrounding mountains create a temperature swing of 15 to 20°C between day and night, which preserves the grapes' acidity and freshness.

Which wine estates from Tulbagh are worth recommending?

Saronsberg Estate, Rijk's Private Cellar and Lemberg Wine Estate are among the best known, locally based estates in the region.

What is Saronsberg from Tulbagh known for?

Saronsberg produces South Africa's best-selling Shiraz and has already won over 400 gold and double-gold medals.

What foods pair best with wines from Tulbagh?

Bold Shiraz pairs wonderfully with grilled game and red meat, while dry Chenin Blanc is ideal with grilled fish and poultry.