340 Years of Winemaking at Boschendal
When your farm was founded in 1685, you have earned the right to take things seriously. Boschendal Wine Estate is one of the oldest in South Africa and the history is woven into everything here. The original farmstead complex is a national monument. The Cape Dutch Manor House was built by the De Villiers family who farmed here for 164 years after acquiring the property in 1715. Even Cecil John Rhodes owned it at one point in the late 1800s.
The name comes from the Dutch "bossendaal" meaning forest and valley, which perfectly describes the landscape. The estate covers 3500 hectares in the Groot Drakenstein valley with vineyards running 6km along the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein Mountain toward the Dwarsriver and across to the Simonsberg. It is big. Plan to spend at least half a day here.
The Wines at Boschendal
The wine range is wide enough to satisfy everyone from casual drinkers to collectors. The MCC sparkling wines are excellent and often overlooked. The Bordeaux style blends show what this terroir can do with classic grape varieties. The single variety wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay are well made and consistently good.
| Wine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MCC Sparkling | Sparkling | Excellent and often overlooked |
| Bordeaux Blend | Red Blend | Classic, terroir driven |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Red | Consistent and well made |
| Shiraz | Red | Rich Groot Drakenstein character |
| Chardonnay | White | Clean, balanced oak |
The estate has been investing in sustainability under the current ownership. A regenerative farming initiative cleared 800 hectares of alien vegetation, and the farm now generates 2 million kWh of solar energy annually. Tasting happens at The Cellar Door beneath the ancient oak tree beside the historic Rhone Homestead.
The Werf Picnic and More at Boschendal
The Werf picnic is the thing people remember most about Boschendal. On a sunny day, sitting on the lawn with a picnic basket of farm produced food and a bottle of estate wine surrounded by mountains and oak trees, it is hard to imagine a better way to spend an afternoon in the Cape. Book ahead because it fills up fast, especially in summer.
Beyond the picnic there are hiking trails through 1000 hectares of protected nature reserve with over 600 species of fynbos, a working farm shop selling estate produce, restaurants and Green Key certified cottages for overnight stays.