We are on the hunt for some of the best farm stalls along the N7, starting off at Desert Rose near Koringberg. Our second stop took us to Kardoesie, where we met the lovely Hanri and Annette Theron.
Third in line and down the road is another worthwhile stop, arguably the N7’s oldest farm stall, De Tol, now owned by Bergendal.
Written by Thys de Beer
Tell us more about your farm stall
Founded in 1864, De Tol served as the local ‘toll gate’ on the Piekenierskloof Pass where the Pikemen would collect tolls from travellers. It also served as a watering hole for their donkeys and horses and supply station for weary travellers.
De Tol offers a one-stop experience with a deli, a Piekenierskloof wine tasting room and Carmien tea tasting and a restaurant.
How did you survive lockdown?
De Tol was revamped just before lock-down which gave them time to think and plan. According to De Tol owner Potgieter van Zyl during lockdown they were still allowed to farm could trade and focused on take-aways. Apart from grapes they also produce apricots, citrus, peaches, tea, lamb and beef.
Luckily because they were not properly up and running again, they had very few employees but some were moved to their farming operations.
READ: Do, dine and sleep: touring the charming town of Clanwilliam
Post lockdown, mostly South African tourists have started to visit. More are likely to return as they are also involved in the Rooibos2Muisbos Cycle Tour, a 100 km cycling event from the Carmién Factory at Bergendal farm, on the Paleisheuwel Road, Piekenierskloof, Citrusdal, to Muisbosskerm in Lambert’s Bay. They are also considering farm tours and more campsites.
Potgieter also mentions the effect of the exceptional 2021 flower season on their business.
What’s on the menu?
De Tol focuses on local and artisanal products as far as possible and now offers a deli that serves a variety of their signature roosterkoek.
Tastings of the Piekenierskloof Wine Company are on offer, their fan-favourites being Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir, Stone Dance and Six Hats ranges, to delicious Carmien tea and even their two award-winning rooibos distilled gins.
For those with a sweet tooth, why not try their gin and nougat pairing?
Visit De Tol’s website.
Pictures: George le Roux
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Farm stalls between Cape Town and Clanwilliam: Desert Rose, Koringberg
