Blaauwklippen Wine Estate has the unique distinction of being the oldest wine farm in South Africa, and two years after it tragically burned down, the 344-year-old estate has made its grand reopening.
What, where, when, why, how?
Originally established in 1682, Blaauwklippen was founded in Stellenbosch as the first major step in building South Africa’s wine industry. As the first registered South African company in the world, it has a number of accolades to back up this long history – from introducing Zinfandel vineyards to forming the first Blending Competition ever held in the nation.
However, in April of 2024, the estate was engulfed in flame. Much of its most historic landmarks were damaged in the blaze – including the Jonkershuis, the Manor House, the Millhouse, and the Glass Cathedral. Despite the damage, no lives were lost in the ensuing disaster.
Casks in a wine cellar, Blaauwklippen/Wikimedia Commons
Helderberg Mountain, seen from Blaauwklippen/Wikimedia Commons
Recuperation & rebirth
In the wake of such loss, their spirits remained undimmed. Restoration work began almost as soon as possible. Great pains were undertaken to rebuild the damaged estate in exactly the way it once stood, as if there was never a fire at all.
Though Blaauwklippen closed its doors to accommodation, it did not totally shut down. Throughout the entire restoration process, the rest of the estate remained open to visitation. In November of 2025, the Jonkershuis and Manor House were at last reopened to the public, as good as new and better than ever.
Vineyards at Blaauwklippen/Wikimedia Commons
Why visit?
If not solely to experience a living piece of South African history, Blaauwklippen offers all the amenities of a wine estate: exceptional food, better wine, and beautiful places to thoroughly enjoy both.
De Blaauwe Kitchen offers a relaxed setting and Mediterranean flavour, seasoned with the Cape Winelands’ very own produce. The Farmhouse, on the other hand, offers a more casual café and deli experience, perfect for picnicking.
For those aspiring winemakers among you, it is also hosting its 43rd Blending Competition, perfect for getting your feet wet or testing new things. Registration is currently open, and will remain open until the end of April.
Inside De Blaauwe Kitchen/Wikimedia Commons
Another view inside De Blaauwe Kitchen/Wikimedia Commons
From the Harvest Parade, 2014/Wikimedia Commons
Events & offers
Every second Wednesday, Blaauwklippen holds a free run (or walk) between 17:45 and 20:00, complete with after-run specials on gin and beer at the Farmhouse. Get some exercise, then kick back and relax afterwards with some of the best of the Cape Winelands experience.
The estate also supports its own dedicated wine club, for those that find themselves coming back to them time and again. With a membership fee of R1200 per month, you’ll save 15% off all online purchases at the wine farm or on the farm, get a 25% discount on accommodations, and a 20% off birthday voucher for their wine.
Although a fairly steep price for a membership to only a single location, it may well prove thoroughly worth it if you fall in love with the estate and its wine.
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