National Rooibos Day felt like the perfect excuse to slow down, head into Citrusdal, and truly reconnect with one of South Africa’s most iconic teas, writes Adrienne Bredevelt.
Image: Supplied
Carmién Tea’s rooibos tour delivered an experience that was as grounding as it was unforgettable. On arrival, it was very clear that this wasn’t going to be just a tour, but a journey. Carmién calls it ‘from soil to soul,’ and that phrase couldn’t be more fitting of the day’s experience. We walked the land where rooibos grows wild and resilient, learning about the unique soil, climate and care required to cultivate this indigenous shrub that grows only in the Cedarberg region of the Western Cape.
Standing among rows of sweet-smelling rooibos shrubs, it struck me how deeply rooibos is woven into our landscape and heritage. It’s not just a tea, it’s a story of place, patience and people.
The process was explained step by step: from harvesting and fermentation to drying and grading. Seeing it firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for what ends up in my cup at home. There was something incredibly grounding about being in the fields, breathing in the sweet aroma of the rooibos plant, and understanding just how much intention goes into every sip.
After a morning of learning and exploring, we were treated to a long, leisurely lunch prepared by none other than South African chef, food writer and cookbook author, Carmen Niehaus, who is also a key part of Carmién Teas.
Carmen is the twin sister of Carmién Tea co-founder Mientjie Mouton, and her passion for food and cooking helped shape how the company explores rooibos beyond a drink, using it in recipes, pairings and culinary experiences.
Each dish was carefully curated and inspired by infused flavoured rooibos tea, served Mediterranean-style and decadent: a celebration of local ingredients and simple flavours done beautifully. It was the kind of lunch where conversation flows easily and time seems to stretch a little longer than usual.
As the day started winding down, we made our way to Piekenierskloof Wine Estate for sunset wine tasting and a picnic. Set high enough to overlook the valley, the views were nothing short of breathtaking. With a glass of wine in hand, golden light washing over the vineyards, and the day’s experiences still fresh in my mind, it felt like the perfect way to close such a special celebration. The picnic was relaxed and unpretentious, good wine, good company and a front-row seat to one of those sunsets you wish you could bottle.
Piekenierskloof Wine Estate also offers vineyard tours, which wind through the beautiful landscape before ending at that same spectacular lookout point. It’s easy to see why sunset picnics here are so popular; there’s a quiet magic in being perched above the valley as the light fades and the day exhales.
We ended the day by retreating to our accommodation at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, where comfort met calm in the most welcome way. After a full day of sensory experiences, learning, tasting, eating and exploring, it felt like the ideal place to unwind and reflect.
The Carmién Tea rooibos tour wasn’t just about celebrating National Rooibos Day; it was about reconnecting with something uniquely South African. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful experiences come from slowing down, standing on the land, and truly appreciating the journey from soil to soul.
Visit Carmién Tea Shop at De Tol Farm Deli on Piekenierskloof Pass, N7 (7435) for tastings, tours and rooibos experiences.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ:
6 peaceful destinations in South Africa and beyond to escape busy travel spots
