Boschendal Wine Farm

Only a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, South Africa’s stunning wine region is centred around the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and makes for an ideal city escape.

In an area of jaw-dropping natural beauty, where a new mountain rises in the distance after every bend in the road, Boschendal still manages to stand out as being particularly picturesque.

Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is one of the oldest in South Africa, having been founded in 1685 by Dutch settlers.

Still very much a working farm, the accommodation is a recent addition to Boschendal with options ranging from restored workers’ cottages to modern apartments set amongst the orchards.

We stayed in one of the historical Werf cottages, which are situated just behind the main farmstead and have been beautifully restored to a luxurious standard.

Each cottage features a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with free-standing bath and shower.

The style is chic but has a classic country farmhouse feel, with wooden beams, a big kitchen table and comfy armchairs by the fireplace.

Each cottage also has a private terrace that looks out on to a small lake, woodland and a stunning mountain peak – a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening or to start the day with breakfast which you can have delivered right to your door. It really is an idyllic, relaxing place to stay.

The rest of the farm is just as beautiful, with a deli, restaurant (also recently restored), and bakery from which you can buy gourmet picnic baskets to enjoy in the peaceful gardens.

As well as wine, Boschendal produces olive oil, fruit and rears black Angus cows, so much of what you eat in the restaurant or buy in the shop is made on the farm itself.

Other farm activities include hikes through the orchards, mountain biking, and of course wine tastings, which take place in one of the oldest buildings on the estate.

Here you can learn about the winemaking process and sample the Boschendal range, from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a spicy Shiraz, and you also have the option of a chocolate and wine-pairing menu.

With beautiful surroundings, deluxe accommodation and a bounty of wine and farm produce, Boschendal is one of the highlights of South Africa’s wine region.

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You may also like to read our review of Ellerman House in Cape Town.

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