Boschendal Wine Estate – Stellenbosch, South Africa
Against the dramatic backdrop of Simonsberg Mountain, Boschendal lies in 1800 hectares of some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful territory. Formerly a 17th century colonial Dutch manor and one of the country’s oldest wine estates, it is now a sophisticated agritourism experience. Still famous for its wines, it has an established and ethically run farm as its heart.
Scattered around the estate are beautifully restored farm cottages with far reaching views, for guests to immerse themselves in the simple pleasures of farm life and breathe the fresh Franschhoek air. We love its down to earth charm and authentic and generous hospitality. It is an idyllic bolt hole.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
We love the farm to fork dining & the atmosphere here.Style:
Colonial Dutch chic.Location:
In the heart of the winelands, around 15 minutes from Stellenbosch & Franschhoek – just an hour from Cape Town.Rooms:
23 luxury rooms & cottages.Swimming:
There is a communal, natural swimming pool for guests to enjoy.Children:
Most definitely - it's a fabulous playground for children of all ages. Children can enjoy a programme of activities with the opportunity to learn anything from harvesting produce to African drumming.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, or as a family, and whether you want to be close to creature comforts or crave some freedom, the range of accommodation at Boschendal caters for every need – with a huge dose of luxury thrown in. Some are a short walk from the main farm area, whilst others are scattered throughout the estate, reached by trails for cycling or walking.
food
Whilst all the accommodation is equipped for self-catering, with kitchens you’d be more than happy to have at home, there are plenty of dining choices at Boschendal. With much of the produce organically grown on the estate, and the majority of everything else sourced locally, the emphasis is very much on farm to fork, with menus changing with the seasons. The Werf Restaurant is at the heart of the estate in the original cellar of the old manor house, spilling out onto the terrace.
Very generous sharing platters feature Black Angus beef reared on the farm, and forest-reared pork with just picked vegetables and herbs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can all be enjoyed here. At The Deli you’ll find hearty all-day breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in a very convivial setting. You can’t stay here without having one of their famous picnics – a hamper brimming with delicious goodies that can be eaten on the lawns, or taken back to your cottage to eat in the garden. And if you’re cooking yourself, the Butchery, Bakery and Farm Shop has all the fresh produce you could possibly want.
activities
You can’t stay here and not take a wine tour. Walk through the acres and acres of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz and take the journey from grape to bottle. Then, the best bit, taste it all. If you’d like to explore the estate, there are guides on hand to take you, either on foot, by bike or on horseback, then finish it off with a swim in the dam. Wake up each morning with a yoga session and spend a day in the tranquility of your own garden.
During the summer, Boschendal has a weekly Friday night market with food stalls, live music and local artisans selling their produce – with the Werf becoming a vibrant party scene. In the sensitively restored manor house you’ll find a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibits of South African and African art. This is a place to come for peace and quiet and for enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
family
It goes without saying, that Boschendal, with all its freedoms, is a magical place for children – away from everything. The farm offers and outdoor experience programme for children between the ages of five and fourteen, with two hour or full day sessions revealing the delights of farm life. Activities from foraging to planting or harvesting, from shelter building and learning survival skills to making natural medicines and to tracking animals, are designed to inspire, educate and demonstrate an eco approach to life. The enormous Tree House playground is available to all children and there is pony riding for children over seven.
sustainability
The team at Boschendal are committed to regenerative and sustainable agriculture, working with nature for the benefit of the community and future generations. Every practice on the farm has its roots in sustainability.
Location
Stellenbosch, South Africa
In the heart of the winelands, around 15 minutes from Stellenbosch & Franschhoek – just an hour from Cape Town.
