Wine Estate of the month

OAfter working in Cape Town for 20 years, Neville Dorrington and his family decided it was time to move to the country. Lovers of good food and collectors of good wines, the search for a wine farm began. Months and miles later, it was decided to buy an undeveloped farm. “Lets do it all from scratch” They fell in love with the Tulbagh valley. The splendour and scenic beauty of the Tulbagh valley is hard to beat. One hour from Cape Town, the little valley lies in a fertile basin almost completely surrounded by the majestic Winterhoek and Witzenberg mountains, often snow-capped in winter. The Klein Berg River snakes its way across the valley floor, providing ample water for irrigation. The town was named after Rijk Tulbagh, governor of the Cape from 1751 to 1771. Steeped in history, the beautiful Church Street has 32 National Monuments, more than any other street in South Africa.
The farm was found. 136 hectares of virgin soils not ever cultivated. Slopes facing north, south, east and west. Excellent drainage. Sufficient water. What potential. Soil tests were done. Perfect for low yielding high quality grapes. The offer to purchase was accepted. Now the Challenge. In honour of Rijk Tulbagh, it was decided to name the farm  RIJK'S PRIVATE CELLAR.

What better way to enjoy great wine than with a good meal, in relaxing and beautiful surroundings. It was decided to build a 15 room luxury Country Hotel. Neville had built and managed The Farmhouse in Langebaan so had been in the hospitality industry for many years and was perfectly suited for the task. Development of the farm began in January 1997. In July 14 hectares of vines were planted. Architect John Doyle was contracted to design the Country Hotel and building  was completed and opened in December 1998.

Please visit our website: www.rijks.co.za