Discover the rich cultural significance of this uniquely South African tea blend through a farm visit, a culinary experience, and breathtaking landscapes of Piekenierskloof Mountain pass.
Image: Sarene Kloren
I recently traded the city noise for crisp mountain air and spent a weekend in the Cedarberg. Considering that I was in the only area in the world where Rooibos tea is grown, I decided that it was time to learn more about this uniquely South African blend and visited a farm where Rooibos is grown.
What I expected to be a simple tasting turned into a much deeper exploration of the tea that is so rooted in our national identity as South Africans.
Just outside Citrusdal on the N7, the Carmién Tea Shop at De Tol offers tea tastings and light meals in a relaxed farm atmosphere.
The shop also stocks the full Carmién range of teas and related products.
The Rooibos Experience is a 60-minute guided walk through the fields, complete with a rooibos tasting.
The experience began in the fields with a guided tour. Walking through the low, grass-like shrubs, I was amazed to see how hardy these plants are.
It grows naturally in this region of the Western Cape and nowhere else in the world. The sandy soil, dry summers and winter rainfall create the perfect conditions it needs to thrive.
Standing among the rows of the tea plants, I learnt how much manual labour goes into cultivating, harvesting, cutting, bruising, fermentation, drying in the sun and finally grading of Rooibos tea.
Rooibos tea is left in the sun to dry after picking.
Image: Sarene Kloren
Seeing the process step by step gave me a new respect for what ends up in my teacup.
After spending time in the fields, we sat down to lunch prepared by South African chef and food writer Carmen Niehaus. She is closely involved with the Carmien brand and is the twin sister of Carmién Tea co-founder Mientjie Mouton.
What stood out was how she used rooibos in every dish. It was included in sauces, marinades and desserts, showing its versatility as an ingredient rather than just a tea. The menu focused on local produce, with rooibos infused in subtle ways that complemented rather than overpowered each dish.
Tea and cakes are available at the Carmien Tea Shop - all using Rooibos as an ingredient.
Image: Sarene Kloren
Later that afternoon, we drove up to Piekenierskloof Wine Estate for a sunset tasting and picnic. Perched above the valley, the estate offers wide views across the mountains and farmland below.
As the sun set across the mountains, we sampled wines and shared a simple picnic spread made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The estate also offers vineyard tours that wind through the property before ending at a lookout point high on the mountains.
Views from the sunset picnic lookout over the Cedarberg.
Image: Sarene Kloren
That evening, we checked in at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort. A refreshing dip in the pool - which has the most incredible views over the valley - was the perfect place to rest after a day in the mountains. The restaurant too has magnificent views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
The Carmién Tea Shop at De Tol Farm Deli on Piekenierskloof Pass is a worthwhile stop on any visit to the Cedarberg.