Nestled in the foothills of the Jonkershoek Valley, on the outskirts of the historical town of Stellenbosch, lies the Lanzerac Wine Estate. Established in 1692, this historical estate is one of the oldest in the region, boasting over 330 years of winemaking heritage.
Vineyards in Stellenbosch
The farm was originally known as Schoongezicht and dates back to the late 17th century. Like many historical farms in South Africa, the property has been shaped over the years by a line of owners, each making their own contribution to the architecture, farming, and hospitality.
The Naming of Lanzerac
The estate acquired its present name when Mrs. Elizabeth English (nee Devenish) bought the estate in 1914 after her husband, Frederick Alexander English, a diamond merchant and friend of Cecil John Rhodes, passed away in 1909. As legend has it, she named the Estate after her true love, General Charles Lanzerac, a French Marquis native of Guadeloupe. There are no insights about how they met or the nature of their love story.
General Charles Lanzerac
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Mrs. English was considered a real pioneer as a female wine farmer. She made considerable alterations and improvements to the main house and other buildings, as well as bottling the first Lanzerac wine from grapes grown on her land.
A Pioneer in Pinotage
Another wine milestone for the estate was the release by Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery (SFW), then owner of Lanzerac, of the first commercial Pinotage under the Lanzerac brand in 1959. Home to the first Pinotage (that’s South Africa’s signature variety-it’s a cross between pinot noir and Cinsaut), Lanzerac takes its wine seriously.
Lanzerac Today
In 2012, Lanzerac opened a new chapter when a British consortium acquired the estate with an ambitious five-star vision to turn the historical estate into a leading hospitality destination. For many South Africans, it is a place that brings back fond memories, with senior citizens remembering the ladies bar and ex-Stellenbosch-students, the tear-shaped bottles. I was very impressed during my last visit to see how the new management is skillfully preserving the past while at the same time continuing to add new offerings, such as their Chocolate and wine pairing.
Wine and chocolate pairing at Lanzerac Estate
In May 2017, Lanzerac Wine Estate suffered a destructive fire and was forced to close for 13 months. The Manor House and Werf buildings were the worst hit during the fire so I made my way there. As I strolled around, I couldn’t help but feel great admiration for the tremendous job done in reconstructing these historic monuments. The whole place oozed elegance and old world charm, with visible references to the estate’s rich history.
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The Lanzerac Experience
While Lanzerac is famed for its award-winning wines, the estate offers much more than an exquisite glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. It provides an immersive experience where the beauty of nature and luxury of five-star hospitality intertwine.
The five-star hotel is home to 53 ensuite bedrooms and suites, with many including private patios that overlook the mountain range and vineyards. Each room reflects the history of the property and has you feeling as if you’ve been transported back to the 1600s.
Accommodation and Amenities
- 53 ensuite bedrooms and suites
- Private patios with mountain and vineyard views
- Complimentary mini-bar (replenished daily)
- Manor Kitchen restaurant
- The Lounge with local and international spirits, wines, and craft beers
- Taphuis (historic spot for lunch or cocktails)
- Spa facilities with indoor pool and gym
Guests staying on the Lanzerac property are offered a complimentary wine tasting of 5 Lanzerac Estate wines in the Lanzerac Tasting Room. I highly recommend doing the wine and chocolate pairing or their Premium Range tasting of 5 wines. Included in the room rate are a tour of the cellar and a wine-tasting so I booked these right away.
Wine Tasting and Cellar Tours
- Complimentary wine tasting of 5 Lanzerac Estate wines
- Wine and chocolate pairing
- Premium Range tasting of 5 wines
- Cellar tours
There’s no question about it - Lanzerac wines are top-notch! The Pinotage is superb (I bought a bottle to bring home) but so are the Le Général red blend and Mrs. English Chardonnay. My favourite Lanzerac wines include the Pinotage, Le Général and Mrs.
The History of Muratie
Location and Accessibility
About a 40-minute drive from Cape Town, in the heart of South Africa’s largest wine-producing district, is this charming oasis. Stellenbosch is located about a 40-minute drive from Cape Town (CBD) and about 30 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. Getting there is easy by taxi or Uber (approximately EUR 30/USD 35). I recommend hiring a car in order to explore the rest of the region at your leisure. If you feel like exploring Stellenbosch during your stay, there is a complimentary transfer service offered between the hotel and town at set times.
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Stellenbosch, South Africa
A Perfect Getaway
Just a five-minute drive from Stellenbosch town, Lanzerac is the ultimate getaway to relax your senses and allow the harmony and tranquility of the majestic Jonkershoek Valley to work its magic. If you want to live a weekend in luxury, taking in the breathtaking views and gourmet food, it’s the perfect place for you. It was truly the best way to relax, unplug, and of course, indulge in some of the tastiest wines.
Lanzerac Highlights
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest wine estates in Stellenbosch, dating back to 1692.
- Luxurious Accommodation: A five-star hotel with individually styled rooms and suites.
- Award-Winning Wines: Home to the first bottled Pinotage and a range of other top-notch wines.
- Scenic Beauty: Positioned in the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley with views of mountain ranges and vineyards.
- Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Spa facilities, gourmet dining, and wine tasting experiences.
At Lanzerac, you can sip on award-winning wines, explore the beauty of Stellenbosch, and immerse yourself in the rich history of one of South Africa’s oldest estates. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of South Africa for yourself.
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