Boschendal Wine Estate

Boschendal (Dutch for ‘bush and dale’) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic wine estates, with a rich history dating back to 1685 when French Huguenot Jean le Long was granted the land. Located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch along the scenic Pniel Road (R310), this historic estate is nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cape Winelands, beneath the watchful slopes of the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains. The farm’s title deeds date to 1685, with the property first cultivated by French Huguenot refugees fleeing religious persecution in Europe. The De Villiers family farmed Boschendal from 1715 until 1879, with the stunning 1812 Cape Dutch manor house – now a National Heritage Monument featuring a decorative neoclassical gable – completed by Paul de Villiers and his wife Anna Susanna Louw. In 1887 the estate was acquired by Cecil Rhodes as part of his Rhodes Fruit Farms commercial venture, and later taken over by Anglo American Corporation in 1969. In 2013, the estate was acquired by Sam and Rob Lundie (the Tabatznik family) who commenced an ambitious restoration and revitalization, transforming Boschendal from a state of disrepair employing fewer than 50 people to a thriving estate now employing 550 people. The estate spans 2,240 hectares (approximately 2,000 hectares of working farm), of which 254 hectares are devoted to carefully selected high-lying vineyard sites planted predominantly with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. Under the guidance of winemaker Jacques de Klerk and Cap Classique specialist Danielle Coetsee, Boschendal produces six premium wine ranges including the acclaimed 1685 Collection, Appellation Series (featuring site-specific wines from Elgin and other regions), Grande Cuvée range, and highly regarded Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. The estate is certified as one of only 38 WWF Conservation Champions, with over 1,000 hectares of protected nature reserve intertwining with fruit orchards, and over 600 species of fynbos thriving within the Cape Floral Kingdom setting. An ambitious regenerative agriculture project has seen 600,000 new fruit trees planted and comprehensive soil ecology restoration, with grass-fed Angus cattle, forest-fed pigs, and free-range chickens working alongside farmers to replenish and revitalize soils. Visitors can enjoy multiple exceptional experiences: wine tastings at two idyllic locations (The Werf tasting area and The Cellar Door housed in the estate’s oldest building beneath an ancient oak tree beside the historic Rhône Homestead), farm-to-table dining at The Werf Restaurant and The Deli, legendary Boschendal picnics under ancient oaks with dramatic mountain views, Green Key certified luxury accommodation in beautifully restored farm cottages including the historic Herbert Baker-designed Cottage 1685, horse riding and carriage rides, mountain bike trails, swimming in farm dams, guided cellar and vineyard tours, visits to the 1812 Manor House Museum, Food Garden tours, The Tree House children’s activity center, farm shop and artisan butchery, bakery producing fresh sourdough, Friday Night Markets with local produce and live entertainment, The Olive Press events venue for weddings and conferences, and art gallery featuring South African and African artists in collaboration with the Norval Foundation. The estate is on the Franschhoek Wine Tram route and hosts various seasonal events from open water swims to outdoor cinema shows. Named to Condé Naste Traveler’s 2020 Best Family Hotels listing, Boschendal offers comprehensive farm experiences where history, heritage, spectacular landscapes, award-winning wines, and genuine hospitality converge.