Rijk’s Private Cellar – Family-owned cellar producing multi awarded Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, restaurant and luxury accommodation.
Small family-owned wine estates often bring out the best from their vineyards. Rijk’s is no exception. Rijk’s brings together low yielding soils, producing exceptional wines, serving great food, to friends and wine lovers.
A little about Rijk’s Private Cellar
Rijk’s Private Cellar derives its name from the same person, that gave the town Tulbagh its name, Rijk Tulbagh who was governor of the Cape between 1751 and 1771.
Fast forward 200 years to 1996 and Neville Dorrington buys a 136-hectare farm of virgin land in a valley mostly dedicated to fruit and a few cattle and dairy farms. The aspects were north, south, east and west facing and the soils shale. This may be ideal for fruit farming, but Neville had other ideas..
They experimentally planted many cultivars in the first two years of planting to ascertain, which do best. Planting included Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinotage. The ultimate winners were – Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.
A restaurant and hotel on the premises have added to the appeal of this cellar. The hotel offers luxury wine estate accommodation while the restaurant offers traditional Cape cuisine platters and a seasonal menu.
Rijk’s gives you the feeling that you’re enjoying fine wine with friends and family.








Saronsberg Cellar at a glance
Wines of note
- 888 Pinotage Gold,
- 888 Chenin Blanc Gold,
- Reserve (Pinotage),
- Reserve (Chenin Blanc)
Winemaker
Adriaan Jacobs
Viticulturist
Neville Dorrington
Owner
Neville Dorrington
Reasons to visit
- Highly prized Pinotage
- Chenin Blanc
- Luxury Hotel
- Naturally beautiful setting
- Family cottages.
Best time to visit
This is an all-year destination, with a winter fireplace and alfresco (outside) summer tables.
What to do at the Rijk’s Private Cellar
Highlights of the estate
- Award-winning Pinotage and Chenin Blanc
- Luxury and family Accommodation
- Breathtaking Views
- Great restaurant
Things to do or see
- Wine tasting
- Platters
- Mountain biking
- Bird watching
Outdoors
- Several outdoor activities are available in the area, such as hiking and mountain biking, as well as walking through the historic town of Tulbagh.
Side-tracks
Rijk’s Private Cellar is a great base to explore the surrounding valley.
Events
No regular festivals.
Contact Wine Estate
website: Rijk’s
Contact: Enquiries
Tel: +2723 230 1622
Social Media
Facebook: Saronsberg
Instagram: Saronsberg
Twitter: Saronsberg
Wine tasting
Opening hours:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday
Restaurant hours
Opening hours:
Breakfast: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lunch: 12 am to 4 pm
Dinner: 6 pm to 9 pm
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