If you’re road-tripping the N7 over the festive season, plan a proper pause on the Piekenierskloof Pass just outside Citrusdal. De Tol Farm Deli, the Piekenierskloof Wines tasting room, and the Carmién Tea Shop sit side by side, turning a quick padstal stop into a mini-adventure with local flavour, easy food, and kid-friendly space.
Image: Supplied
It’s a relaxed, one-stop window into Citrusdal and the Cederberg, with the Swartland within striking distance.
De Tol: picnic-style food, lawn time, and local goodness
Image: Supplied
De Tol is an old roadside landmark that has welcomed travellers since the 1800s. Today it’s still the best kind of pit stop: shaded tables, plenty of room for kids to roam, and shelves of regional produce to browse. Plus, the most incredible coffee! Pets are welcome, which makes it an effortless break for families on the move. Order a picnic-style platter and the deli’s famous freshly made roosterkoek, then sit back and refuel before the next stretch.
Short on time but want something special? Book ahead for simple picnic-style pairing boards or grab-and-go bites via the De Tol website. The deli also hosts targeted tastings and experiences you can reserve online, handy when you’re planning a holiday itinerary.
If you have more time to spare, you can also pre-book a De Tol Farm Tour. The tour takes around 2.5 hours and turns your stop into a relaxed day trip, giving you more time to explore the farm, soak up the scenery, and enjoy the full De Tol experience.
Carmién Tea Shop: blend, sip, and take a piece of rooibos home
Image: Supplied
Right at De Tol, you’ll find the Carmién Tea Shop, a relaxed space to discover rooibos in all its forms. Do a tea-and-nibble pairing, try the popular gin-and-tea pairing, or order a red cappuccino while the kids explore the outdoor play area. If you’ve got a bit more time, ask to blend your own rooibos tea. It’s a fun hands-on activity for children, and you’ll leave with a personalised memento from the heart of rooibos country.
The shop stocks the full Carmién Rooibos tea range, plus seasonal experiences and stories that bring rooibos to life, from crop-to-cup heritage to health-focused blends. Check opening hours and pairings before you go to the Carmién site, especially in peak season.
Piekenierskloof Wines: old-vine heritage and easy holiday stocking-up
Image: Supplied
Just behind De Tol is the Piekenierskloof Wines tasting room. This is Grenache country, with high-lying vineyards and old dryland bush vines that deliver characterful, value-packed reds and fresh, food-friendly whites. The tasting room is casual and welcoming, ideal for picking a few bottles for the week away or lingering over a pairing board with friends.
If you’re heading for the Cederberg, Clanwilliam, or points north, this is a convenient spot to load the boot with summer staples. Look out for the Grenache and other estate favourites in the lineup, and check tasting options on the Piekenierskloof site.
Make it a proper stop
Image: Supplied
- Give yourself time. Between a quick lunch, a tasting, and a tea blend session, an hour can easily turn into two, in the best way. Bookings are available for tastings and pairings at De Tol, Carmién, and Piekenierskloof Wines.
- Bring the whole crew. There’s outdoor space for kids and dogs, plus easy parking right off the N7.
- Stay flexible. Hours are holiday-season friendly, with Sundays closing a bit earlier. Check the Tea Shop info page on the Carmién site for current times.
Whether you’re chasing mountain trails in the Cederberg or cruising beyond the Swartland, make De Tol your festive season reset. From Grenache to rooibos, lawn picnics to blend-your-own tea, this trio serves the region’s flavours with zero fuss and plenty of heart.
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: Five local South African ingredients to taste this December
