Suggested Itinerary - Day Two
Explore Calitzdorp Port Wine Capital
After a leisurely country breakfast, now explore Calitzdorp, the Port Wine Capital of South Africa and Heart of the Klein Karoo.
What’s to see?
Seven wine cellars specialising in Port! But if you are under the misapprehension that Calitzdorp is a single wine product town, think again! Although the Ports made here can hold their own against the best Portugal has to offer and regularly sweep the top South African awards, our cellars also produce some prize-winning reds, both single cultivars and blends, and the whites are not half bad, either. Buy a case or two of what you fancy – prices are in keeping with the modest approach adopted by Calitzdorp cellars towards their success.
But that’s not all.
The Dutch Reformed Church, pride of the main street, is a national monument. At Die Dorpshuis opposite the church, ask for the church hall keys to view the famed bible-illustrating tapestries woven by devoted congregants many years ago, now on display in the hall behind the church.
If organ music is your thing, note that every weekday evening, at 18h00, a free recital of organ music is given in the church itself. Just walk in and take a pew. Organist, Noel-Jean Creil, is a fine musician and personality in his own right, while the organ too, is a famous instrument, renowned for its size and sound; it is the biggest organ in the region. Highly recommended.
Another place of worship also deserves a look – the tiny chapel down Queen Street from the big church. It is reputed to be the second smallest Anglican Church in the world and is presently being painstakingly restored.
Lunch at Rose of the Karoo, the Red Coffee Pot, or Die Dorpshuis or Ebenhart’s restaurant, where fine examples of Bonsai are to be seen in a wonderfully cool garden just meters from Route 62. Ebenhart himself is known far and wide as South Africa’s only pipe maker. Even if you hate the tobacco weed, you are sure to appreciate the art he puts into his original designs – well worth a look.
Behind the big church, and interestingly ensconced in the old Post Office, lives Calitzdorp’s photographer extraordinaire, Derek McKenzie. His studies of the Karoo in all its guises are not to be missed; by appointment, 082 649 4919. Fifty meters away is the studio of Marinda Combrinck: she’s a fine artist; her portraits are especially good value for money. Pamper yourself at Marinda’s neighbour, The Salon, where Tracy offers a range of beauty treatments in luxurious surroundings 078 585 7699.
Visit the Prince Vincent antique shop just down from the corner of Calitz Street and Route 62 (the turnoff for Calitzdorp Country House). Its wall sign, ‘JUNK’, belies the interesting items often to be found inside, and all at reasonable prices, too. Anna Sofia, also on the main street is famed for her range of mustards of every flavour and hue – Fancourt Golf Estate stocks her products. Stop for a tasting.
Now is the time to wander down to the Tourist Office on the Shell garage corner to collect that free brochure labelled, ‘Kunste Kronkel’ (arts meander), take a stroll through those of the listed craft outlets that strike your fancy and pick up a couple of items for those less fortunate than yourself - the people you left at home.
If time permits, take a leisurely drive out of town towards Ladismith. At the ‘Seweweekspoort’ (seven weeks pass) sign, 28 kms from Calitzdorp, turn right to experience one of South Africa’s most geologically revealing mountain passes. Well worth the visit, 35 minutes through the pass to the other side, then turn around and back in 15 minutes. No need to go further, you’ve seen the best of it.
Back at Calitzdorp Country House, we’re ready for you – how about a luscious Harvey Wallbanger with freshly squeezed orange juice to set you up for dinner?
view day 2 - Cango Caves and ostrich farm
