Oude Compagnies Post - Tulbagh

As part of my ever-evolving journey through the Western Cape’s hidden food and wine treasures, I made my way to the beautiful valley town of Tulbagh, a place I’ve grown to adore for its warmth, charm, and surprising discoveries. This time, I found myself off the beaten wine path, drawn to a quiet estate with a serious reputation among those in the know: Oude Compagnies Post, home of Swanepoel Wines. Nestled between the Witzenberg and Obiqua mountains, this family-run farm has all the hallmarks of a true boutique gem, authentic, relaxed, and rooted in passion. Let me just say this: If you’re looking for a small-scale, soulful, and seriously good wine tasting experience, this is your stop.

Before you even reach the tasting room, the beauty of Oude Compagnies Post begins to work its charm. Framed by dramatic mountain ridges, sun-soaked vineyards, and open skies, this estate gives you that unmistakable feeling of being tucked away somewhere special. It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, and it feels like time slows down here.

The Tasting Experience.

Let’s dive into the tasting itself because honestly, it was worth not only every cent but the drive. At R100 per person, you get to taste between five to ten wines, depending on the day’s selection and what’s open. And yes, the tasting includes their port-style wine, which was my personal highlight (more on that soon). I visited on a weekend and I got to try nine different wines from their collections. The wines are proudly unpretentious, yet undeniably refined. The Swanepoel family has kept their winemaking ethos tight: focus on quality, minimal intervention, and allow the land to speak through the vines. That’s exactly what you taste, wines with character, clarity, and a clear sense of place. As someone who deeply appreciates the art of wine pairing and has a special love for port, I was eager to see what Oude Compagnies Post had to offer when I first leant they were one of the only producers of port-style wine in their region and let me tell you, they delivered.

A Toast to Port: Deep, Rich, and Everything I Love

Their port-style wine was undoubtedly the highlight of my tasting. It’s bold, rich, and beautifully balanced. Notes of black cherry, dried fig, dark chocolate, and warm spice come through in a velvety swirl that coats the palate without overwhelming it. This is the kind of pour that lingers, made for fireside sipping, rich desserts, or even a late afternoon cheese board with great company. As someone constantly on the lookout for standout ports in the the region, I can confidently say this one’s worth the drive. It met my expectations, and then some.

What Makes Oude Compagnies Post Unique?

Beyond the wine itself, there’s something quietly special about this estate. It doesn’t shout; it just knows what it does well and does it exceptionally.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Boutique Craftsmanship - Small-batch wines, family-owned, and made with care you can taste in every bottle.

• Port Pioneer in the Region - One of the few estates around Tulbagh producing high-quality port-style wines that can go toe-to-toe with the best.

• Breathtaking Landscape - Surrounded by craggy mountains and vineyards, it’s a visual feast from the first pour to the last glance.

• Relaxed, Intimate Tasting Experience - This isn’t a flashy tasting room. It’s warm, real, and refreshingly down-to-earth the kind of place where you can slow down and actually connect.

Food, Pairings & What to Take Home

If you're into food and wine pairing (and you know I am), Swanepoel Wines offer a lot of versatility. Their reds are fantastic with lamb, braised oxtail, or grilled steaks, while the whites shine alongside lighter seafood dishes, creamy pastas, or fresh summer salads. The port is a dream with chocolate desserts, aged cheeses, and rich fruit tarts - or simply on its own, as a quiet evening companion. Make sure to grab a bottle or two before you leave -these are the kinds of wines you want to keep in your collection, for special dinners or those “just because” nights.

Why You Should Visit?

If you're exploring Tulbagh’s wine valley, don’t skip this one. It’s a little off the radar, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Oude Compagnies Post is for the true wine lover, the curious sipper, the quiet adventurer, the person who values quality over hype.

You won’t find big tour groups here, or a commercial tasting room full of selfie sticks. You’ll find authenticity, great wine, and a genuine welcome that stays with you long after your last sip.

Need-to-Know Before You visiting

• Tasting Price: R100 per person for 5–10 wines

• Port-Style Wine: Included in the tasting (a must-try!)

• Setting: Mountain views, rustic elegance, peaceful surroundings

• Bookings: Recommended on weekends for a more curated experience

• Wine Shop: Wines available for purchase directly from the estate

Oude Compagnies Post was one of those surprise visits that quietly becomes a highlight. There’s no big show, just excellent wines, soulful energy, and that beautiful Tulbagh calm that makes everything taste a little better. If you’re craving something authentic, delicious, and refreshingly unfiltered, make your way here. Sip slowly, stay longer, and thank me later.

Disclaimer:

Theehungrychef has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, this blog do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 13 April 2025

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