The bowl is surrounded by imposing mountain ranges, the Obiqua Mountains to the west, Winterhoek Mountain to the north and the Witsenberg range to the east, with peaks that rise to over 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). The basin experiences a mediterranean-type climate. The southern side is open to cooling south-east winds during the hot summer months. Accordingly Tulbagh enjoys some of the most diverse and attractive conditions for viticulture in the Cape, and the differences in terroir available to wine makers allow for a wide diversity of distinctive wines of excellence, attributes which have attracted many new producers to the valley.