Located in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites offer travellers a chance to relax and enjoy some of the finest wines in the world.
I had the opportunity to stay in one of the luxury suites recently, and I was truly impressed with both the accommodations and the service. Here’s a look at what makes Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites so special.
Hotel
Jordan is a working wine estate located 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 10 minutes from Stellenbosch. Over time, Jordan Wine Estate has evolved into one of South Africa’s leading estates.
Gary and Kathy Jordan have been producing world-class wines on this farm with a 300-year history since 1993. When Ted and Sheelagh (Gary’s parents) first purchased the now 164-hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982, they began an extensive replanting program, focusing on classic varieties. Since 1993, it has been clear that a new star has been added to the Cape Winelands region. Jordan’s emphasis on “producing fiercely individual wines that combine the fruity accessibility of the New World with the classic elegance of the old,” is what makes it stand out from the competition.
Aside from first-class wine, Jordan Wine Estate also boasts panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Stellenbosch from its hillside vineyards. There are a number of dining options such as the reconceptualized Jordan Bakery which is now The Cellar Door or their highly regarded flagship Jordan Restaurant. Most visitors come for a wine tasting and they now have the option to stay overnight in their luxurious accommodations.
Room
Jordan Luxury Suites are 12 stylish accommodations nestled among the estate’s lush vegetation and vines. All are semi-detached at the base of the valley offering guests incredible views out of the vineyards from their patios.
Each suite has a roomy interior that is distinctively designed and furnished, making it the perfect option for a special Cape Winelands getaway. All suites come with a complimentary bottle of Jordan wine to be savoured on the covered terrace, an HD LED TV with DSTV satellite channels, air conditioning, a Nespresso coffee maker, tea-making supplies, a mini-bar fridge that can be pre-stocked upon request, and bottled spring water.
They also have two suites boasting two bedrooms, which are perfect for families or two couples, and some of the suites have fireplaces. Our superior suite was wonderfully spacious and more than big enough for our little family of three.
Expect contemporary and sleek finishes, as well as plenty of space to stretch out, inside the suites. Luxurious amenities abound, with many rooms featuring egg-shaped baths, beautiful quartz floors, and sumptuous bedding as standard. All suites have a small outside patio; however, because they are semi-detached, they are not entirely private. The best feature, was the wood-burning fireplace located conveniently between the bedroom, bathroom, and lounge to warm up the entire suite. We loved how cosy it made our space during our visit as it was rainy winter weather.
Food and drink
Two excellent dining options are available at Jordan Wine Estate, in addition to year-round picnics.
First, chef George Jardine’s modern cuisine is brought to the country at Jordan’s flagship restaurant. With views of a lake below the cellar, the restaurant is located in a renovated tobacco-curing house surrounded by vineyards.
Alternatively, The Cellar Door at Jordan has a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere, which is made clear by the stylish yet understated furnishings. On sunny days, diners can enjoy their meals outside on the lawns or on the wooden deck while also partaking in a wine tasting.
Additionally, Jordan offers year-round picnics in eight exclusive ‘pods’ on the lawns. With the largest pod accommodating eight adults, these provide breath-taking views of the valley and mountains. Note that picnics depend on the weather and require 48 hours notice.
Breakfast at The Cellar Door is also included for all guests staying in the Jordan Luxury Suites. If you don’t want to venture to town on days when the main restaurant is closed, they can actually arrange for alternative food options to be delivered to your room in the evening. We enjoyed the in-suite dining which was set up each evening with the meals kept warm in Wonderbags.
Activities
Jordan Wine Estate offers a variety of on-site activities for guests and day visitors. For example, a 45-minute cellar and wine tour or a behind-the-scenes harvest tour. Another fun activity that is unique to Jordan Wine Estate is the tour of the vineyards in an open safari-style game viewing Land Rover, with stops to admire the gorgeous views. Guests can opt to add a wine tasting to the experience or make it even more interesting by booking a private evening wine drive.
There are numerous other activities that can be enjoyed in and around the historical town of Stellenbosch as well.
When it comes to wine tasting, you can order Jordan’s wide selection of whites, reds, blends, and bubbles by tasting glass, glass, or bottle. I like that they are all estate grown, fermented, bottled, aged and that you can mix and match them.
The farm has numerous different soil types and altitudes due to the estate’s distinctive topography, and this terroir makes them suitable for a variety of grape varietals. Owner Gary who is a geologist actually applied a scientific approach when he bought the farm in the 1990s. He methodically mapped the estate to replant clones and varieties to ensure they perfectly suited their unique slopes and soils.
I can say they know what they’re doing after tasting six different wines from their Jordan line. All were excellent wines that are also very reasonably priced.
In a nutshell
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, look no further than Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites in Stellenbosch. With beautiful accommodations, an unbeatable location, and impeccable service, Jordan Wine Estate offers travellers everything they could possibly want on a wine country vacation.
Factbox
Classic rooms start from £164 per night.
Address: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0) 21 881 3441
Email: reservations@jordanwines.com
Website: jordanwines.com
All imagery used in this article credit: Jordan Wine Estate
