Escape to our tranquil farm in Stellenbosch, where luxurious and sustainable experiences await.

Say Stellenbosch and the first thing that comes to mind is an image of beautiful vineyards and majestic mountains. Stellenbosch is virtually synonymous with Cape wine. Wine has been made here since the late 17th century.

Today, the internationally celebrated region – one of South Africa’s most popular tourist spots – is home to over 150 wineries, many of them world-renowned.

Stellenbosch is very varied in topography. To accommodate the many differences in soil, aspect, altitude and climate, Stellenbosch is divided into five sub-routes – all forming part of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

We for example, fall within the Helderberg route that lies due south from the town of Stellenbosch and extends to the shore of False Bay. But even within this sub-route there are marked differences: distinctive pockets, that by virtue of location, impact significantly the style of wines to emerge.

And it’s for this very reason that we informally call our area within the Helderberg route, “Stellenbosch-by-the-Sea”.

Visit us to find out for yourself what makes our location so unique. You’ll discover that we’re situated in close proximity to the sea. In fact, less than 5km as the seagull flies! It has a significant cooling impact on our wines. Here, on the farm, the temperature over the summer months of grape ripening can be at least 3°C lower than elsewhere in the region. And there’s no denying, you can taste the effect it has on our wines. It lends them freshness, restraint and a beautiful balance.

Some reckon our wines carry a hallmark salinity. Perhaps it’s the power of suggestion, but we’ve come to believe so, too.

Our award-winning sommelier George Young and his superbly trained team can take you through the range, so you discover for yourself, what proximity to the sea does.

George and his colleagues can explain (if you’re interested; no pressure though, we take our cue from you) that because our vines are planted to follow the same direction as the blustery South Easter, the maritime wind acts as a natural air-conditioner, and keep the vineyards free of disease, reducing the need for spraying.

Add to that, the fact that we farm regeneratively to promote soil life, health and biodiversity. Our Indian Runner ducks dine on slugs and snails and weeds, and our Dexter cattle enjoy weeds. You can see how heavily we rely on nature to keep the vineyards in such good shape, limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides.

We’re a proud WWF Conservation Champion, recognised for eco-sustainable farming and conservation of indigenous habitat.

Our recipe works like this: We keep the soils and the vines healthy, and we pretty much leave the grapes to themselves. That way, by the time they reach the cellar, they dictate what’s needed to turn them into delicious wines.

When you visit to find out what “Stellenbosch-by-the-Sea” tastes like, you have several options to consider.

Wine experience in the Homestead Wine Lounge.

In our 1773 historic Homestead Wine Lounge you can try reds only, whites only or a combination. You can sample them solo, or you can enjoy them with a local cheese and charcuterie platter.

If you’re daring, you can opt for our unique Indigenous Tasting, where we present a line-up of wines with a range of very local, traditional food flavours. Think bokkoms (salt-cured dried fish), biltong (spice-cured dried meat), amasi (fermented milk similar to buttermilk) and roosterkoek (griddle cake).

But perhaps it’s a leisurely lunch or dinner you’re after. You can enjoy our award-winning, refreshing, elegant, seaside wines at the two restaurants on our estate, both owned by renowned chefs Bertus Basson and Drikus Brink.

Geuwels (Gables) is a casual eatery serving farm-style breakfasts and lunches daily. Lunches showcase local ingredients in small-plate dishes to share. These are familiar, well-loved tastes amongst most South Africans, but they have been reimagined in fresh and original new ways. The restaurant serves as a great vantage point to view our famous Indian Runner ducks at 9:00 and 12:00 daily, when they pass through the farmstead werf on their way to and from the vineyards or the vlei.

Experience glorious mountain views, indigenous gardens and birdlife from Clara’s Barn’s patio.

Meanwhile, Clara’s Barn, housed in what in all probability is the oldest building on the farm, thought to pre-date the 1773 Homestead. The restaurant, that reinterprets traditional dishes from South African farm kitchens, offers a daily five-course, fine-dining set menu. The gastronomic experience features produce from the farm or supplied by small-scale farmers. A spacious patio allows guests to make the most of the glorious mountain views and to enjoy the indigenous gardens and birdlife.

Whatever you choose will highlight the pleasure of being so close to the sea!

And it’s worth pointing out that being as we are, at the gateway to the winelands of Stellenbosch, we’re so centrally situated and so easy to reach. We’re close to Cape Town Airport (22km), the V&A Waterfront (40km), the towns of Stellenbosch (17km) and Somerset West (14km). Even Hermanus is only 90km away.

It’s #ComeOverOctober time, and we’re looking forward to your visit! But you’re welcome anytime. Read more about all our experiences and to make a reservation.