Information
Landmark: Neethlingshof EstateCity: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Continent: Africa
Neethlingshof Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Africa
Overview
Just outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, Neethlingshof Estate stands as one of South Africa’s oldest and most storied wine farms, where rows of vines catch the afternoon sun.Founded in 1692, the estate carries centuries of history, earning praise for its exceptional wines and its dedication to sustainable viticulture that leaves the soil rich and fragrant after each harvest.Neethlingshof’s story begins in the late 1600s, when German settler Willem Barend Lubbe planted its first roots in the sunlit soil.Over the years, the estate changed owners many times, but in the 18th century Charles and Maria Marais left their mark-planting vineyards and shaping the legacy we know today.The estate takes its name, Neethlingshof, from Lord Neethling, a former owner who helped shape the property’s growth and planted the first rows of vines.You can see this rich heritage in the estate’s stone archways and carved wooden doors, and taste it in winemaking methods refined over hundreds of years.Neethlingshof stands as a proud emblem of the region’s wine culture, where oak barrels meet stainless steel tanks in a seamless mix of tradition and modern craft.Neethlingshof covers 273 hectares, with 165 planted to vines that catch the sun on gentle slopes, making it one of the largest wine estates in the region.The estate sits between the rolling Bottelary Hills and the rugged slope of Papegaaisberg Mountain, where the soil and sun work together to create perfect conditions for growing grapes.Within the estate, a patchwork of soils and shifting microclimates shapes wines that capture the place’s character, from the stony crunch underfoot to the warm breeze that lingers at dusk.The estate works hard to grow its vines sustainably, caring for the land and protecting the surrounding hills and wildlife.About 42% of Neethlingshof’s land is reserved for conservation, protecting the region’s rich mix of plants and wildlife, from rustling fynbos to darting sunbirds.The estate has also embraced natural farming, bringing in spotted eagle-owls and other predators to keep pests in check and the ecosystem in balance.The estate weaves sustainability into every step of its winemaking, so future generations can walk its sunlit vineyards and savor the wines they produce.Neethlingshof Estate is famous for its wide range of top-quality wines, from crisp whites to deep, velvety reds.The estate turns out everything from a crisp, easy-drinking table wine to rich, cellar-worthy bottles with deep ruby hues.The estate’s star wine is its Pinotage, a South African original with bold, ripe flavors and the kind of deep, ruby color that catches the light.At Neethlingshof, one of the most sought-after collections is the Estate Range, a lineup that captures the estate’s unique soil and climate through time-honored winemaking-think a smooth cabernet with the faint scent of sun-warmed berries.The range features red, white, and rosé wines, from crisp whites to deep, ruby-colored reds.Short Story Collection offers a handpicked range of wines, each carrying its own tale and a history rooted in the estate-like a deep red once poured for a harvest feast under the old oak tree.Neethlingshof crafts these wines from carefully chosen grapes, each bunch inspected for ripeness, and they often showcase the very best the estate can create.Cap Classique, South Africa’s take on Champagne, is crafted by the traditional method, yielding sparkling wines with layers of flavor and a crisp, elegant finish.1802 Collection: Created to mark the completion of the estate’s first wine cellar, this range offers single-varietal wines like bold Cabernet Sauvignon and rich, dark-fruited Pinotage-two of its most celebrated grapes.At Neethlingshof Estate, guests can enjoy everything from slow wine tastings under oak trees to guided walks through the vineyards, making it a perfect spot for wine lovers.The estate welcomes visitors every day, offering tastings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays, when the scent of fresh oak barrels drifts through the air.Visitors can sample a range of tastings, then wander through the estate’s sunlit vineyards and cool, stone-walled cellars on a guided tour, learning how the wines are made and hearing the story of the estate’s past.At the estate’s Wine Garden, visitors can linger over crisp glasses of wine and small plates, enjoying the easy, sun‑dappled calm that fills the air.It’s a popular spot for live music, where a guitar’s warm notes drift through the air, adding charm and creating an inviting place to linger on a slow afternoon.With its rolling vineyards, fine wines, and memorable dishes, Neethlingshof Estate draws crowds from nearby towns and far-off countries alike.In conclusion, Neethlingshof Estate brings together rich history, cutting-edge winemaking, and a deep commitment to sustainability, much like the scent of oak lingering in its sunlit cellars.The estate blends a deep care for the land with the craft of making some of South Africa’s finest wines, inviting visitors to taste the full richness of Stellenbosch-perhaps while standing among rows of sun-warmed vines.At Neethlingshof, you can sip your way through a range of wines, wander past centuries-old buildings on a guided tour, and lose yourself in the beauty of the surrounding oak-lined paths-an experience you won’t soon forget.
