I recently spent three incredible nights in the beautifully restored old manor house at Elgin Vintners, and what a treat for the soul, let me tell you – I actually delayed writing this article because I wasn’t even sure where to start. With the views? The wines? The hospitality… or the bathroom? (I have a thing for pretty bathrooms, okay.)
Located just 40 minutes from Cape Town in the beautiful rolling mountains of Elgin sits Elgin Vintners, with views that are set to take your breath away – trust me, a glass of wine on their back porch with the sun setting behind the Hottentots Holland mountains is one memory that I will never forget!
The manor house was built back in 1890 and the farm also produces apples and pears (with Elgin being one of our major fruit-producing regions) but now the focus has moved to wines – more on that in a moment!
The manor house boasts 4 beautiful rooms, pictured here is the Syfret Room (or honeymoon suite) beautifully decorated and complete with all the must-have necessities, wall heaters, tea and coffee station, safe and other mod cons.
I am going to take a moment here to wax lyrical about the beautiful bathroom, complete with huge bath, walk-in shower and tiled in white and the most beautiful view out over the mountains, quite something to brush your teeth too – I really do have a bit of a thing for a beautiful bathroom.
I think it has to do with when you are relaxing at the end of the day and being in a beautiful space just sets your mind at ease, you know?
Breakfast each morning is served in the old dining room, and the staff from arrival to departure were kind and attentive to our every need, ensuring we had everything we needed and stoking a nice, big fire in the living room for us in the evenings and that we were feeling right at home.
Its clear to see why Elgin Vintners is a popular small wedding venue – the large lawn outside lends itself perfectly to wedding receptions, surrounded by views and history, what more would you need to make your special day any more special, right?
The property also boasts a tennis court, swimming pool as well as a braai area, beautiful shady lawns to rest on, and a stunning garden, complete with hidden fairy paths and loads to discover, like beautiful ponds, old sundials and more – I loved it!
Elgin Vintners have just opened their brand new tasting room, which boasts high ceilings and views, and are open for tastings Monday to Friday 09hoo – 17h00 as per government regulations.
Winemaker Marinda Kruger-Claasen is passionate and enthused about wine, Elgin and the story of Elgin Vintners and we enjoyed an hour or so in her company, sampling the ranges – my utter favourite was the Bella Amie Merlot Blanc de Noir – not only is the bottle beautiful, but it’s contents are even more beautiful.
This delightfully easy sipping wine would make for a great lunchtime or afternoon wine with a light lunch and a catch up with the girls.
My travelling partner enjoyed the Gravel Shiraz so much so that they bought a case to take home – the Gravel is unfortunately not for purchase on the website as it is a limited edition wine – however, I also greatly enjoyed the Ridgelands Syrah, if you are a red wine lover, I highly recommend.
The cloud haven Sauvignon Blanc also hit a chord with me, and they currently have a great promo on not only this but several other of their wines, so if you would like to lay in stocks you know what to do… HERE…
All in all, we greatly enjoyed our stay, and the feeling of being out of the city and in the beautiful countryside – all in a 40-minute drive from the Cape Town city centre is an added bonus. I also feel that Elgin’s wine routes need way more press, not only is the area beautiful, but the climate is unique and makes for some really tasty offerings in and around the area.
Elgin Vintners, we are coming back to visit soon, I promise!
A: Appletise Road, Elgin, Western Cape, 7180
T: +27 (021) 848 9587
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