Lourensford Wine Estate offers a visual feast across 4 000 hectares of forest, fynbos, fruit orchards and vineyards, which rise up the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains. This gem in Somerset West is a perfect destination for spending time with friends, family and loved ones.
Established by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1709, Lourensford has a proud history as a world-class fruit farm and the wealth of glorious Proteas point to their rich floral heritage. Fortunately, the winemaking tradition was revived when well-known Cape business man, Dr Christo Wiese purchased the Estate in 1998.
Not only is Lourensford rich in history and floral heritage, but there’s also an adundance of activities to keep visitors busy. The scenic splendour, winery, restaurant, coffee roastery, art gallery, outdoor markets and music concerts, as well as cycling and trail-running events ensure they are a popular destination with both tourists and locals.
Get a taste of Lourensford at the Tasting Room
Wine lovers can enjoy a range of interesting tasting experiences at Lourensford. Besides their Premium Wine Tasting, where visitors taste any four wines of the Limited Release range or Cap Classique, there is also a Belgian chocolate and Wine Pairing, a Blind Wine Tasting Challenge, a Turkish Delight Pairing, and a Soup and Wine Pairing during the winter months.
For a comprehensive experience of what Lourensford has to offer, guests can opt for their Packaged deal, which includes a premium tasting of four wines, followed by a cellar tour, a choice of the very popular Belgian Chocolate and wine pairing OR Turkish delight and wine pairing, and finally a vodka shot, locally distilled at Lourensford.
Wine lovers who enjoy history and learning more about the intricate art of winemaking can also go on a private Vinfari experience, which takes you on an exploratory journey of winemaking discovery, travelling through Lourensford’s unique vineyard sites where iconic wines are born. Climb aboard the exclusive Vinfari vehicle at their cellar door for a guided tour through the estate, enjoying tutored tastings while soaking up the sense of place.
But wait, there’s more! Lourensford also offers a Siberian Express Vodka tasting. Sip the premium vodka range of four uniquely flavoured vodkas, distilled and produced at Lourensford Estate.
Dining experience at The Millhouse Kitchen
The Millhouse Kitchen is an Italian inspired eatery offering seasonal fresh menus and a beautiful space to enjoy a lovely meal and glass of wine. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch every day of the week, or make The Millhouse Kitchen the venue for a date night dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Sit and warm yourself at their cozy fireplace during the cold winter months while enjoying a glass or two of Lourensford wine.
Study their menu on Facebook to work up an appetite for your next visit.
Food, crafts and live music at the Lourensford Market
Their vibrant market, housed in a permanent structure, boasts 70 permanent stalls and a number of Pop-Ups. Visitors are spoiled with sprawling lawns, majestic trees and landscaped gardens to enjoy the quality products. You will discover everything from delectable food, handmade wares and art, to organic, artisanal produce.
The Estate’s superb wine collection and their in-house ABRU craft beer contribute to the festive atmosphere. Local artists provide live music and even your four-legged family members are welcome at the doggie bar.
Find out more about the market and its amazing vendors.
Enjoy a cuppa jo at The Coffee Roasting Co.
The Coffee Roasting Co. is open seven days a week, so be sure to visit and enjoy great coffee tasting talks, watch coffee being roasted, receive advice from their roasters and become part of an ever-growing family of coffee lovers.
The onsite Red Riding Hood Deli offers a variety of freshly baked cakes, quiches and muffins. All their goods are made using only free-range eggs, real butter and pure spices. They also have a lovely selection of gifts and equipment.
More action and family fun
Art, mountain biking and even clay pigeon adventures – there’s more than enough to keep the family entertained.
Clay Pigeon Adventures is an experience-company, where you get to shoot real bullets in a safe, controlled and fun environment. They offer a wide range of shooting and other activities within an engaging and exhilarating setting. Their expert instructors are patient, friendly and eager to convert every first-timer to a well-trained, pigeon-picking straight–shooter.
Artjamming™ allows you to create your very own masterpiece by using creativity and colour to a chilled out beat. Put on an apron, face a blank canvas and unleash your own individual creativity. This is what makes Artjamming™ the most fun you’ll have with a paintbrush.
Artjammers are provided with a menu of 12 different size canvases, easels, a choice of 45 colours of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, brushes and tools to freely express themselves. No drawing or painting skills are required, their talented artists are on hand to provide some guidance, in an environment which oozes creativity.
Get out and about into the mountains overlooking the majestic Lourensford Wine Estate with MTB @ Lourensford. With tons of ups and downs, turns and whirls, gravel and dust, this is the perfect terrain to go mountain biking.
Whether it’s summer or winter, there is always something to see, do and enjoy at Lourensford Wine Estate.
Details:
- Location: Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
- Contact: 021 847 2300
- Website: lourensford.co.za/
Also read:
Picture: Lourensford Estate / Facebook
