There are some places in the world that are just so special that you are sorely tempted to keep it to yourself. Such is De Grendel Wine Estate situated a mere stones-throw from the center of Cape Town. Renowned by insiders for its mind-blowing views, award-winning wines, and exceptional local-inspired cuisine it is a sensory adventure not to be missed.
Nestled in the undulating landscape of the Durbanville Wine Region on the northern outskirts of Cape Town in South Africa, De Grendel Wine Estate is an instant escape from the city.
Despite being only twenty minutes from the CBD it is a trip that takes you into hilly green farmland past dams and vines, to this beautiful estate that boasts a rich history stretching all the way back to the 18th century.
The farm has been in the Graaff family for four generations, originally used for breeding Arab horses until the third generation Graaff, Sir David turned to viticulture and winemaking. Now lovingly tended by Sir De Villiers the estate is constantly expanded and grown but always with great respect for the past.
The name tells a story of its own. “De Grendel” is Dutch for “lock” or “latch”, and the farm was once the gateway to the interior of the country.
Now, De Grendel Wine Estate is the entry point to the Durbanville wine route and a true odyssey for the senses. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a lover of fine cuisine, De Grendel offers a unique and unforgettable experience, from its award-winning wines to its delicious cuisine.
At De Grendel Wine Estate, they believe in letting the wine do the talking. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Cellar master, Charles Hopkins, and winemaker, Morgan Steyn together with their team produces a range of premium wines that are as striking and beautiful as the surrounding scenery.
They work hand-in-hand with nature to craft exceptional wines that are a true expression of the estate’s terroir. The cold Atlantic, only 7 km from De Grendel, and the westerly location combine to make this a typical true cool climate. Their wines all exemplify that with poise, sophistication, and elegance.
De Grendel’s winemaking philosophy remains simple, to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique character of the estate’s terroir. And it is a strategy that pays off and a job they do exceedingly well with a list of wine awards as long as your arm.
Accolades range from three five-star ratings in the 2023 Platter’s Wine Guide and eight wines with 90-plus scores in Tim Atkin’s 2022 South Africa Special Report to gleaming in Platinum, Double Gold, and Gold medals at the 2022 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
And that’s to name but a few, the list is long and illustrious, and De Grendel Wine Estate rightly has a lot to be proud of.
It is not just any ordinary winery either, for those who want to dive deeper into the world of wine, De Grendel offers a truly unforgettable farm tour.
This adventure takes you on a journey through the vineyards, where you can learn about the terroir and taste some of the estate’s finest wines.
The Farm Tour is an experience like no other, and the perfect way to connect with this special place and to get to know the estate and the history of the farm.
The estate may be historic, but you will soon learn that there’s nothing old-fashioned about it. The cellar, tasting room, and restaurant buildings reflect traditional Cape Dutch architecture but are all part of the same cube structure with earth tones and steel tying the look together.
The restaurant itself is a blend of old and new, with modern design, natural materials, and classic décor inspired by the Graaff family heritage and the historic manor house on the De Grendel farm. Family heirlooms and memorabilia are mixed with modern furnishings and expanses of glass that showcase the spectacular view from 350m above sea level.
It’ll take your breath away – rolling hills, and vineyards for days, and on a crisp sunshine day, you will see Table Mountain greeting you in the distance in all its glory.
Only the finely crafted dishes, perfectly paired with a glass of estate wine have the power to pull your attention away from this magnetic display of nature.
Head Chef Ian Bergh is a true locavore, and his passion for sourcing the best local produce is evident in every dish served at the restaurant.
Bergh believes in unpretentious food that showcases quality ingredients at its best in locally inspired dishes which he gives his signature creative contemporary twist.
He sources much of the restaurant’s produce from the farm’s organic vegetable garden and other artisan producers across the Cape. Local game meat such as Springbok, home-grown heirloom tomatoes, and award-winning Dalewood cheeses are starred in a menu that celebrates the region’s natural bounty.
Highlights include the slow-cooked Karoo lamb, grilled line fish, and an extensive wine list that features the estate’s own wines, offering diners the perfect opportunity to taste the best of De Grendel’s offerings. It’s the definition of culinary harmony.
It is understandable that all this mastery wins recognition and De Grendel Restaurant is no stranger to winning awards. The latest is the 2022 Reviewers Choice Awards by reservations platform Dineplan where over 200 000 customers have placed De Grendel in the top 20 of 1000 restaurants across South Africa.
The estate’s beautiful gardens, stunning views, and tranquil atmosphere also make it the perfect location for weddings, corporate events, and other celebrations. With a team of experienced event planners and the ability to accommodate up to 70 guests, De Grendel is ready to make your dreams come true.
De Grendel is always evolving and has recently expanded with a new wine lounge called VIEWS by De Grendel, located on top of Table Mountain. It is kind of full circle vision, come to think of it, with De Grendel Restaurant and Cellar sitting on fynbos-covered slopes with a glorious view of Table Mountain, while the vistas of VIEWS offer a picture-perfect view of De Grendel Wine Estate on a clear day.
VIEWS offers a full-on wine-tasting experience to tantalise your taste buds. It is the ideal spot to have a glass of wine, feast your eyes on the panorama of the Mother City, or just use it as your office for the day.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a wine lover or a foodie, or simply looking for a beautiful escape from the city, De Grendel Wine Estate is an absolute must-visit. From the breathtaking scenery to the exceptional wines and cuisine, this wine estate offers the perfect opportunity to delight the senses.
So, plan your visit today, and discover for yourself what makes De Grendel one of the most unique and special destinations in South Africa. To find out more visit their website, or make a reservation by sending an email to info@degrendel.co.za, or phone tel: +27 21 558 6280.
