The Witzenberg Municipality
There is more to the Witzenberg Municipality than fruit and mountain passes. But no visit would be complete without starting your journey by driving down the Bainskloof Pass. This 18km stretch of road joins Wellington to Ceres and was built using convict labour in the 1850’s.
Wine Estates in the Witzenberg Municipality
Bergsig Wine Estate
This estate has been in the same family for 6 generations. Situated at the base of the Breede Kloof, on the Breede Rivier, in the valley of the slow ripening vines. Make sure to taste their Touriga National which is jammy and floral and the Cape LBV, made in the style of Port from Touriga National and Tinta Barroca grapes.
Oudekloof Wine Estate
Be sure to visit not only for the ‘port’ made from Shiraz grapes, but also for the tractor ride. This farm is situated at the bottom of the Oude Kloof pass and Andrew will take you up to see the amazing views. Have breakfast or sundowners in the midst of the fynbos and be sure to take up the offer to walk to the natural spring.
Owned by the same family since 1832, the Conradie’s are the only wine makers in Ceres. Wine tasting takes place in the original homestead. First turned into a blacksmith’s forge the room has many of the original fittings. Take home a bottle of their amazing Chardonnay.
Accommodation in the Witzenberg Municipality
On the foothills of the Mostertshoek Mountain you will find these well-appointed self-catering cottages. Each cottage has Wi-Fi, television and air conditioning. The facilities include full use of the pool and boma.
Fynbos Guest Farm
With 3 cottages and 9 private camp sites Fynbos Guest Farm offers more than accommodation. The retreat includes a forest labyrinth and provides sanctuary for a myriad of rescued animals. Worth a visit even if you are not staying over. Peter gave us the most excellent walking tour and I really felt a sense of peace from him.
Situated 6kms outside of Tulbagh, Raptor Rise offers various accommodation options, including a fully equipped self-catering cottage with private swimming pool. I slept in one of the newly built rooms which has a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. The kitchenette comprised of a sink, kettle, toaster and microwave. Coffee, tea and rusks were complimentary. Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner were provided. There is a hanging rail for clothes, plenty of plug points and a small seating area. The bed was comfortable and the room has both an air conditioner and a fan. Don’t leave without some of the estate olive oil.
Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel
This luxury accommodation has made the most of the old restored houses in Tulbagh. I am looking forward to a return visit to enjoy the sumptuously appointed rooms. If you are in need of breakfast, look no further. I enjoyed poached eggs on top of fresh avocado.
Things to do in the Witzenberg Municipality
Ceres Zip Slide
Confident I could combat my fear of falling I kitted up in the gear. I made it all the way up to the first slide where our guides gave us a talk about how everything works. Despite their excellent attitude I just could not go! I was tied in tandem to the guide and fear crept in. As he pushed himself off the platform without me I had a moment of regret. However I am proud of myself to have just been willing to try. Even knowing I could not possibly fall this was not for me. I was disappointed in the owner’s treatment of me when I got back. She was most disdainful of my lack of willingness to give it a go. I would suggest if you go that you wear proper shoes. There is a risk of breaking your ankle when you land, and there are snakes.
Visit the Togryersmuseum to see how goods were carried by wagon from the Boland to Kimberley. Take a peek into the meteorite that fell in Ceres as well as learn more about the earthquake in 1969. The museum showcases religious life in Ceres, including Jewish history. Watch interviews with people who were affected by the forced removals. And before you leave make sure to enjoy a fruit juice tasting. The area is known for its fruit!
Disclosure: I was invited as a guest of the Cape Winelands District Municipality and I was not required to write a blog post about my experience. This post is in line with my blogging policy.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime February 22:
- 2016 – Gluten Free Cereal
- 2015 – The Secrets Sisters Keep
- 2013 – I Made It – A New Challenge For Bloggers
- 2012 – I Take A Day Off
- 2011 – Mixed Marrow Pasta
me encantan este tipo de viajes, que divertido con la cebra
The zebras were amazing!
Everything looks amazing… Love those animals 🙂 And I would have been scared of the zip slide, too…. And snakes! Nothing makes me more upset when people treat you rudely based on your fears!
And that nails it on the head for what she did 🙂
Oh whata great little trip. The winery is so beautiful, as are the guest houses…but yeah the rescued animals win!
The sanctuary with the rescued animals was amazing.
A spectacular place to visit, by the looks. Which country is this in?
It’s in South Africa Liz.
Thank you.
My pleasure
Sounds like you had a nice time from your lovely invite.
I did indeed 🙂
Hi Tandy, what an amazing place, except the owner’s treatment of you for not going, You should be proud of yourself for trying.
Thanks Cheri, I’m super proud of myself.
This place sounds superb! And I feel the same as you about heights and falling. I once even lost it and started crying when confronted with a cliff!
I can relate. Wooden bridges are my worst.
This looks like a beautiful trip! Love South Africa!
It really was Miriam 🙂
Looks amazing! We went over to France recently and bought back some red, white and rose wines called Fynbos…not expensive and everyday wine, very nice. Now I’ve Google drive the word and know what fynbos means!
I wonder who makes those wines?
What a great place and a lovely trip!
It was indeed!
What an amazing place. Right up my alley! I need to get to South Africa.
Best you let me know if you do!