From bush to cup, uncover the secrets of Rooibos.
Burrowed into the cusp of the Skimmelberg Nature Reserve in the ruggedly beautiful Cederberg region, Skimmelberg farm is an organic oasis that offers more than just Rooibos tea tours. It also gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of sustainable farming, indigenous plants and a dash of South African heritage.
The farm’s dynamic duo of botanicals, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and Buchu (Agathosma betulina), are cultivated organically amid the impressive fynbos vegetation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get to see these endemic plants flourishing in the wild before learning how they’re lovingly farmed without a trace of synthetic nasties. It’s farming at its most fabulous, with nature as the star collaborator.
SEEDLINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY
The tour kicks off with a visit to the nursery, where green and red Rooibos seedlings bask in the Cederberg sunshine. This is ground zero for the magic that makes the Rooibos tea so unique. Keep an eye out for the Buchu seedlings too – another indigenous marvel famed for its essential oils and medicinal properties. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for these tiny plants that pack a powerful punch.
WORMS WORK OVERTIME
No good farm tour is complete without a peek at the unsung heroes of organic agriculture – worms. At Skimmelberg’s state-of-the-art wormery, these wriggly wonders create nutrient-rich compost tea, which fuels the farm’s commitment to sustainability. It’s a process so ingenious, even the worms deserve a round of applause. Worm tea, it seems, is the secret behind Skimmelberg’s flourishing Rooibos and Buchu crops.
TASTE THE LEGACY
Once you’ve walked the fields, it’s time to tantalise your taste buds. Head to the tasting room and indulge your senses in the aromas, flavours and textures of Rooibos and Buchu teas. Whether you prefer your tea bold and red or light and green, there’s a blend of these elixirs for every palate to warm or cool, cheer or calm.
Rooibos isn’t just a pretty tea; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, it helps combat toxins while promoting heart health and lowering blood pressure. Plus, being naturally caffeine-free, it’s a guilt-free indulgence for tea lovers far and wide. The Khoi-Khoi and San peoples, South Africa’s first inhabitants, were onto something when they turned to Rooibos and Buchu for their medicinal properties centuries ago. So, sip away in their honour.
Don’t forget to browse the farm shop afterwards – it’s stocked with teas, oils and Buchu-based products that make perfect gifts (for yourself, obviously).
THE SPIRIT OF THE CEDERBERG
This tour isn’t just about tea; it’s about connecting with the land and its rich history. From the Khoi San’s traditional knowledge to modern organic farming practices, every sip of Rooibos or Buchu tea tells a story of resilience, innovation and harmony with nature. And at Skimmelberg, you get to be part of that story.
Whether you’re a tea aficionado, nature lover or an agriculture enthusiast, this tour is guaranteed to warm more than your cockles. Here’s to enjoying life sip by sip, because there’s no problem in the world that can’t be ameliorated by a sip of tea (apologies to Jasper Fforde).
Skimmelberg Tea Tasting: R75/pp; 2-hour Farm Tour + Tea Tasting R220 pp; 10h00 Mon – Friday. Saturday tours require 6 adults minimum. Book: tours@skimmelberg.co.za; 027 482 1771.
