Tucked away in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, Boschendal Wine Estate is a hidden gem. This luxurious hotel is surrounded by vineyards and offers stunning views of the Drakenstein mountains. Guests can enjoy world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service during their stay.
Boschendal Wine Estate has it all – gorgeous accommodations, incredible food and wine, and breath-taking scenery. I was lucky enough to spend a few days at this idyllic property and I was truly blown away by everything it had to offer.
Hotel
Boschendal Wine Estate is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms. The property has a long and rich history dating back to 1685. The estate was originally part of a farm called Boschenhoek, which was owned by French Huguenot settlers. As it passed from owner to owner over the years, the Boschenhoek property was slowly divided into small farms and buildings like the manor house were added.
In 2013, Boschendal farm was acquired by Sam and Rob Lundie with the intention to restore and rejuvenate this gorgeous property. The estate has been meticulously restored and now features modern amenities while still retaining its old-world charm.
Boschendal which means ‘bush and dale’ in Afrikaans is not only a luxury wine estate but also a working farm. The property features extensive gardens, orchards, and vineyards. You can stroll through the grounds, picking fresh fruit and vegetables as you explore. The estate also has its own dairy, where they produce artisanal cheeses and yogurt.
Boschendal is a great place to bring the whole family. The property has a wide range of activities and amenities to keep everyone entertained. Kids can enjoy pony rides, tractor rides, and exploring the on-site playground. There is also a babysitting service available for parents who want to enjoy a child-free evening.
Room
Boschendal Wine Estate offers a variety of accommodation options. The rooms and suites at Boschendal are spacious and elegantly appointed, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The beds are incredibly comfortable and the bathrooms are stocked with high-end toiletries. But the real standout feature of the rooms is the private terrace; each room has its own terrace overlooking the vineyards or mountains beyond. We spent many hours relaxing on ours, enjoying the peace and quiet of this beautiful setting.
It’s important to note that Boschendal Wine Estate is expansive and most of the accommodation options are quite far from the main Werf Area. You may even need to drive between your accommodation and the restaurants. But the privacy and seclusion in such a beautiful natural setting are worth it!
For something a little bit different, you can stay in one of Boschendal’s Werf Cottages. These charming cottages are located on the edge of the estate’s working farm. They’re perfect for families or groups of friends who want to experience all that Boschendal has to offer.
The cottages are very spacious and can accommodate a family easily. They have fully equipped kitchens, living rooms with fireplaces, and private gardens with braai (barbecue) areas. Upon hearing we would be traveling with a baby, the staff promptly booked us into a Werf Cottage for added convenience. This is something I truly appreciated as we were close to the Werf Area with all the restaurants which made the experience much easier for us with our baby boy.
Food and drink
The food at Boschendal is nothing short of exceptional. We had the pleasure of dining at The Werf Restaurant for breakfast and dinner during our stay and were impressed by the creative dishes and expertly paired wines. The lunch and dinner menu features locally sourced ingredients and there is an impressive selection of wines available to pair with your meal. The service was attentive without being overbearing and the overall experience was truly excellent.
The Deli Restaurant is a more casual spot located on the hotel grounds. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. We stopped by for lunch one day and were very pleased with the quality of the food. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and is the perfect place to grab a quick bite before heading out to explore the property.
Things to do
One of the best ways to experience Boschendal is to order a picnic lunch and explore the sprawling grounds. The estate has numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as a beautiful dam.
The picnic baskets are generously stocked with sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks and, of course, no Boschendal picnic would be complete without a bottle of the estate’s award-winning wine. Boschendal is first and foremost a working winery, producing some of the finest wines in South Africa. The estate has numerous vineyards, spanning red and white varietals and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the vineyards, or sign up for a wine-tasting experience.
We had the chance to participate in Boschendal’s wine and chocolate pairing experience, which was led by one of the estate’s knowledgeable sommeliers. The experience included six different wines, each expertly paired with delicious chocolate.
The Boschendal Farm Shop is the perfect place to stock up on locally-made food and drink. The shop sells a wide range of products, including fresh produce from the estate’s farm, artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and pickles. There is also a selection of Boschendal wines available for purchase.
One of the best ways to experience Boschendal is to take a farm tour. This hour-long guided tour will take you through the vineyards, gardens, orchards, and dairy. You’ll learn about the history of the estate and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the wine and cheeses are made.
In a nutshell
We had an incredible time at Boschendal and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway in South Africa’s stunning Cape Winelands region. The accommodation is top-notch, the food is exceptional, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
From the luxurious accommodations and world-class cuisine to the stunning setting and plethora of activities, there is something for everyone at Boschendal. If you are looking for a truly luxurious experience in Franschhoek, look no further than Boschendal Wine Estate. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you will be treated like royalty. We cannot wait to return.
Factbox
The Werf Garden Suites start at £415 per night for 2 guests.
Address: Main Road, Pniel Groot Drakenstein 7681
Phone: +2721 870 4200
Email: enquiries@boschendal.co.za
Website: boschendal.com
Images courtesy of Claire Gunn Photography.
