BEST VINEYARDS

The best vineyards to visit in the Western Cape Winelands, certainly include Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate.

Unique South African Wine Destination at Lagoon Nature Reserve

With the vineyard location in a tranquil lagoon at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, owner Penny Streeter OBE and her family have created an outstanding wine destination on the Hermanus Wine Route in the Walker Bay region of the South African Cape Winelands. In 2013 she acquired the struggling Benguela Cove vineyard and has transformed the estate into an award-winning wine producer and hospitality venue.

The unique climatic conditions create a sublime setting for visitors and a special terroir to produce wines of distinction, as the lowest lying vineyard, with the longest seaboard in the world. The south-easterly sea breeze is chilled by the Benguela Current flowing up from Antarctica, to cool the grapes at night after warm summer days, for slow ripening and perfect viniculture.

The Estate Produced Wines

With painstaking precision, making the most of the wealth of soil types, microclimates and slopes at his disposal, winemaker Johann Fourie has created an award-winning range of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. They are expressive of the cool climate terroir, at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

These efforts are undoubtedly showing in the intense yet finessed ranges being made at the new winery, completed in 2017. With grand chandeliers, the 450-ton, gravity-fed winery was innovatively designed to house both traditional and the latest winemaking methods for the estate’s main grape cultivars of Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah - as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Framed by majestic mountains, panoramic views of the Bot River Lagoon and vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the 220-hectare wine estate presents you with a stunning first impression.

Benguela Cove is situated an hour’s drive from Cape Town International Airport, 15km from the town of Hermanus, renowned worldwide for whale-watching tourism. The Streeter family’s investment to create a new wine destination has further boosted the attractions of the Western Cape Province, enticing international visitors in search of great food, wine and attractions.

Gourmet Food, Wine Safari and Pontoon Cruise

The Benguela experience starts with one of the friendly wine ambassadors meeting you to present the special offerings of the estate. Planted to 65 hectares of vineyards and 10 hectares of olive trees, the vineyard safari route includes a wine and olive tasting and cellar tour - and you can even blend your own wine.

The oceanside location offers a new dimension to wine tourism; you can enjoy a pontoon cruise on the tranquil lagoon and experience the symmetry of magnificent views, food and wine. Returning to the estate and visiting the winery, you have a choice of wine tastings and pairings, including with cheese, charcuterie or chocolate. Gastronomes can try the signature wine and oyster pairing.

For a full day’s experience, visitors enjoy gourmet dining at the estate restaurant Moody Lagoon where local produce is celebrated. Any children can be occupied with buckets of fun at the on-site Pirate Adventure Golf Course and Splash Pad.

Art and Live Events

Ocean views, gourmet food and wine tasting experiences – and also art exhibitions and live music events. With a growing reputation as a cultural centre in Western Cape, the estate’s art gallery features an exciting programme of art and sculptures, including the stunning 7m tall bronze Faith, by Anton Smit.

 Penny has since taken her vision to two properties in the UK, with the guidance of Benguela’s acclaimed South African winemaker, Johann Fourie - creating new vineyards in Sussex at England’s first wine and golf estate in 2017, and Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in 2018.