4 Best Sights in Tulbagh, The Western Cape and Winelands

The real attraction of Tulbagh is Church Street, parallel to the main Van der Stel Street, where each of the 32 buildings was restored to its original form and subsequently declared a national monument.

About 4 km (2½ miles) out of town, set on high ground commensurate with its status, is the majestic De Oude Drostdy Museum. Built by architect Louis Thibault in 1804, the structure was badly damaged by fire in 1934 and later by the 1969 earthquake, but it has been carefully restored and is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. The building now houses an impressive collection of antique furniture and artifacts. Look for the gramophone collection and the Dutch grandfather clock that has a painting of Amsterdam harbor painted on its face. There's a small coffee shop inside where you can grab a quick bite.

This museum stands at the entrance to Church Street and is the logical departure point for a self-guided tour of the area. The church has been extensively restored and has an interesting collection of artifacts from the area, including carvings made by Boer prisoners of war. A ticket includes admission to two other buildings on Church Street, which operate as annexes of the main museum. These show a practical history of events before, during, and after the quake. The buildings have been painstakingly reconstructed.

The House of Krone at Twee Jonge Gezellen specializes in the production of sparkling wine. One of the finest and oldest wineries in the area, it's known for its fantastic Cap Classiques, particularly Krone Borealis Vintage Cuvée Brut. Ask about booking a tasting down in the atmospheric cellar—a delight in summer when Tulbagh's temperatures regularly pass 100 degrees Fahrenheit.