If there is only one other thing you do in Tulbagh besides wine tasting, it is to visit Oudekloof Wine Estate for their tractor ride up the Oudekloof pass.
We had the privilege of experiencing this on Saturday, the 20th of March 2021. The sunset tractor ride starts at 17:00 and lasts for +- 2hours. It is popular and trendy, so booking in advance is a must. The ride is also weather and wind dependant.
Once everyone was on board, and a couple of safety issues discussed, we were on our way. We wound our way up the narrow artificial road taking in the beautiful scenery as we rose higher and higher up the mountain.
The tractor stopped a couple of times where Andrew, our host and driver, told us how the people used to travel up the neck in the old days.
He also explained the various types of proteas found in the area and other vegetation, special teas and brews, and a specific poisonous plant.
We also stopped to experience the mountain spring about 80 metres off the road.
Oudekloof farm has a connection with the Titanic as there were some bales of Buchu from the farm that were aboard the Titanic when she sunk. At that time, a thimble of this expensive commodity was the equivalent price of a full-grown sheep.
Arriving at the neck, we were met by Christine, Andrews wife, with a picnic that would make famous restaurants envious. A cheese and fruit platter, watermelon and prickly pear platter, biscuits with pate, chicken, and olives were on offer, including the well-known Oudekloof wines homemade lemonade and juices for those wanting something non-alcoholic—what a treat.
The view in its entirety was magnificent, from the surrounding mountain ranges, The Obiqua mountains, the Winterhoek mountains and the Witzenberg mountains, the Voelvlei Dam, and the Wind Farm in Gouda. You can envision the snow-capped mountain peaks on a crisp winters day.
Best of all, we got to experience the sunset. Sundown was a quick and radical affair, with the golden glow still showing when the sun dipped behind the mountain ridges, and within minutes, it became darker and darker. That was our cue to depart and head back down to the farm, the road which Andrew meticulously navigated once again.
This was an experience I certainly will treasure.
Contact Details for Oudekloof Wine Estate
Cell: +27 (0)82 440 9459 – Andrew
Fax: +27 (0)23 230 1925
E-mail: reservations@oudekloofwineestate.co.za
management@oudekloofwineestate.co.za
Tractor ride is R280 per person including wine and a picnic on top of the mountain.
Booking is essential and weather permitting.
Text and Images: Andre Beukes
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