Lourensford
Winery Description
Location and History
Lourensford Estate spans over 4,000 hectares of forest, fynbos, orchards, and vineyards nestled against the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains. The estate benefits from cooling Atlantic Ocean breezes and offers spectacular natural beauty.
Originally part of the historic Vergelegen farm, Lourensford was established as a separate estate in 1709 by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel. It boasts a rich history as a world-class fruit farm and is home to an abundance of indigenous flora, including vibrant Proteas. In 1998, the estate experienced a revival in winemaking when it was acquired by prominent Cape businessman Dr Christo Wiese.
Archaeological evidence reveals that human activity in the Hottentots Holland Valley dates back hundreds of thousands of years. Early Stone Age artefacts have been uncovered at Uitzicht and Grootnek, two sites located deep within the estate.
Wine Tasting
Lourensford offers a variety of wine tasting experiences that showcase its premium range. These include traditional tastings, a blind tasting challenge, and specialised pairings. Visitors can enjoy combinations such as Wedgewood nougat and wine, Belgian chocolate and wine, as well as Turkish delight and wine. Each pairing is thoughtfully curated to highlight the nuances of both the estate’s wines and the artisanal treats.
Children are also catered for with a specially designed tasting experience featuring juices and sweet pairings, encouraging exploration of different flavour profiles.
Restaurant
The Millhouse Kitchen, located on the estate, offers a seasonally inspired menu in an elegant and relaxed setting. Guests may enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. The restaurant caters for special occasions and welcomes both children and pets on leads.
Dishes are paired with a selection of Lourensford wines, craft beers, and a range of cocktails. A bakery selection, including cakes, quiches, and muffins made with real butter, is available throughout the day.
The Red Riding Hood Deli features a carefully curated range of local products, from farm honey and baked goods to salts, spices, and thoughtful gifts.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Lourensford is a thriving destination for visitors seeking more than wine. The estate features a coffee roastery where guests can observe the roasting process and sample an impressive selection of single-origin Arabica coffees sourced from across the globe. Coffee-making equipment is also available for purchase.
The estate regularly hosts outdoor markets, music concerts, and events such as trail running and cycling, all set against its lush landscape of sprawling lawns, mature trees, and manicured gardens. A dog-friendly environment is maintained, complete with a dedicated pet bar.
Lourensford is also home to the Wedgewood Nougat Emporium, a family-run business renowned for its handcrafted nougat, produced using time-honoured recipes and artisanal techniques. The Wedgewood Gifting & Hamper Emporium offers a selection of thoughtful presents and bespoke hampers.
At the Ginologist Distillery, visitors can delve into the world of gin. The distillery offers tastings, food pairings, and immersive distilling sessions where guests can craft their own gin under expert supervision. Whether enjoying a picnic, a tasting with scenic views, or a hands-on workshop, the experience is designed to be both engaging and memorable.