My family and I were invited to spend two nights at the luxurious Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
The third oldest farm in the area, the Estate is a historic landmark whose rich heritage is as opulent as its interior.
It’s in the dreamy Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and has magnificent views of mountain ranges, healthy vineyards and hectares of gardens shaded by giant oak trees.
The property comprises a Five-star hotel, pool bar, restaurants, tasting room and day spa.
The farm was bequeathed in 1692, and the current facade of Lanzerac’s Cape-Dutch architecture-style Manor House and Werf, a proud Provincial Heritage Site, in 1830. The estate has changed ownership a handful of times and undergone extensive renovations to transform it into a modern five-star hotel.
A tragic fire damaged most of the hotel’s main areas in 2017, resulting in Lanzerac having to close for business for more than a year. Today, no evidence of the damaging fire remains and the Estate stands in all its 21st-century luxury grandeur.
Our stay included a complimentary mini-bar, wine tasting and breakfast, and the service was top-notch, the staff friendly and helpful.
Here are some of our highlights from our weekend getaway:
The suite:
Our room with its patio facing a mountain and free-roaming horses on distant farms felt like home.
It had a spacious, comfortable king-size bed, and everything we needed, including an open bar, refilled daily. Our room, fitted with modern interiors, had air conditioning and gorgeous mirrors.
Its spacious bathroom was the star of the show. With heated floors, soft lighting and a standalone bathtub, I’d take long, hot baths every day.
The pool bar
With temperatures reaching 31°C, we spent most of the weekend swimming. I liked that there was also a kiddies pool for my son Sipho next to the main one, allowing him to have fun whilst we watched from a distance.
A barman was also on-site to ensure the drinks flowed whilst we lounged poolside.
Dining at Lanzerac
Three options are available, each with a distinctive character and unique flavour. (Booking is essential).
The Deli
Great for all-day breakfast, homemade delights, pastries and sweets. The setting at the Deli is relaxed, and you can either sit indoors or outside for the view.
Choose from several wine-tasting options depending on the journey you wish to go on.
Manor Kitchen
This is my favourite dining venue at the estate. The interior is stunning, with its eye-catching chandeliers, oversized leaded windows, cushioned chairs and a dazzling interior.
The breakfast buffet served here daily is equally as impressive, complete with oysters (when available) and champagne.
Taphuis
Offering a pub-style menu of small plates and bites, this was our preferred restaurant for dinner. The menu is diverse with local and contemporary flavours. It even has options for children.
My favourite dishes included biltong gnocchi, smoked snoek mousse, ribeye on the bone and the Cape malva pudding for dessert.
For more information visit lanzerac.co.za or Instagram @lanzeracestate
Read the full article in GLAMOUR’s 2022 Entertainment Issue, now available in-stores and online, here.
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