Icy rains poured down around us, turning dusty farm roads into muddy lanes, as we wove our way through Tulbagh to Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages. Despite Google Maps leading us slightly astray, our timing was impeccable because the rain stopped as we pulled into the parking area.

We were entranced by the beauty of the landscape around us and as we walked to the lake shore, Saronsberg’s mascot appeared – the wistful and almost ethereal lady of the lake. Following her contemplative gaze, we discovered the beige-toned tasting hall of Saronsberg Cellar.

Entering into the warm interior hall, decorated with statuettes and unique art features, our group was met with a genuine welcoming smile from Sarah, the manageress. Soon after, we were whisked away on a cellar tour with Dewaldt Heyns, the charismatic wine maker. Read more about our thoughts on the Saronsberg wine tasting.

As hunger pangs set in, we were ushered back into the tasting room and seated next to a crackling fire, as a lavish spread of cheeses, hams, and preserves were provided. Sarah topped up our wine glasses before urging us to unwind, which we happily took to heart. Once warm and sated, we set out along the beautiful path which led us from the tasting room to Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages.

Just before the cottages, we discovered a paddock where two bright eyed horses were grazing. I was so transfixed by the serene pastoral setting that time seemed to stop for a moment, as I took in the the looming mountains and gentle twilight descending on the valley.

The cottages were built in 2013, the spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen area has couches and seating facing a large fireplace. Off to the side, a neatly stacked wood pile, with blitz and matches on the mantel ensured lighting the fire later was an easy affair. The fan in the high ceiling reed-covered roof will be ideal for summer. The kitchen is well stocked with a portable 2-plate stove and oven combo, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee plunger, as well as a darling tea caddy which, in our cottage, stated “Romance of Tea”.  As we had a 2-bedroom cottage, the bedrooms led off from the lounge and kitchen areas, and it was a lovely surprise to discover each room had a private en-suite bathroom. The cosy blankets on the end of each bed were highly appreciated, as were the soft fluffy towels.

WE LOVED:

• The lush farmland, beautiful ponds, and backdrop of mountains which add to the serenity of the venue as a whole – I could easily imagine a picnic on the lawns in summer.
• The luxurious linens and thick woven blankets which helped to ward off the cold.
• The array of Saronsberg wines and personalised wine tasting from wine maker Deuwald Heyn.
• The friendliness of Sarah Naegeli, the manageress, who is fluent in English, Swiss, and German.
• The pet-friendly cottages!
• The complimentary percolated coffee was a very welcome surprise.

Activities at Saronsberg include:

Horses – there are two friendly horses in the paddock, who love being petted.

Cellar Tour – we highly recommend a cellar tour and wine tasting.

Estate walk – tour the lush estate and wander through the vineyards.

Picnic – request a picnic basket and relax next to the pond while enjoying the beautiful views.

Mountain Biking – bring your own bike and explore the numerous trails available.

Bird Watching – birds abound in summer, and twitchers will have a ball spotting the various species.

Bring:

• Candles – if you want to make the stay more romantic.
• A hot water bottle – to keep your toes warm at night.
• Extra socks – in winter the Tulbagh area gets very chilly.

The setting of Saronsberg makes it ideal for those seeking serenity, away from the rushed pace of everyday life.

Let us know if you’ve been here before, and what you think about #visitWitzenberg!