The story of the Western Cape is one of bold vision and unyielding quality, where world-class winemaking, dedicated conservation, and thrilling adventure meet on a single canvas. This Spring, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, a prestigious WWF Conservation Champion in the heart of the Walker Bay region, is rolling out a refreshed experience that captures the very best of the season. For those planning a journey to the Hermanus area, Benguela Cove is ready to define your Spring.
At the estate’s flagship Moody Lagoon Restaurant, Executive Chef Christo Hattingh has unveiled a new À La Carte Spring Menu. The cuisine is a sophisticated expression of the Western Cape’s incredible bounty, honouring the estate’s dedication to seasonal, hyper-local ingredients, with every dish designed to be perfectly paired with the estate’s award-winning, cool-climate wines.
Highlights include the powerful Venison main, served with smoked garlic mash and an estate red wine & sherry jus, and the fresh coastal treat of Calamari 3 Ways, showcasing the nearby ocean’s bounty. Even the classic South African dessert gets a sophisticated twist with the elegant “Milk Tart but Different,” a beautiful composition of vanilla and cinnamon mousse.
Beyond the dining room, Benguela Cove offers a vital, immersive connection to the natural world. The highly anticipated return of the Lady Bonnie Pontoon Cruise is far more than a scenic boat trip; it’s an Eco Boat Cruise across the tranquil, protected waters of the Bot River Lagoon.
This estuary is a critical conservation area, internationally recognised as a Ramsar Site, and is uniquely situated within the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere. This untouched biome is a haven of biodiversity, a place where Kingfishers, eagles, and the iconic blue crane flock, and where visitors along the coast sometimes glimpse South Africa’s oceanic Big Five. One of the most remarkable sights is the small group of wild horses that still roam this incredible landscape.
The Pontoon Cruise provides an intimate and unforgettable setting for any occasion, whether you’re planning a Birthday celebration, looking for a unique setting for a bachelorette/bachelor party, or simply seeking a “just because” adventure to celebrate life wins. It’s an adventure that not only rewards the senses, but also reinforces the crucial role the estate plays in preserving the region’s natural heritage.
Finally, for the adrenaline enthusiasts who find their ‘gees’ (spirit) on the trail, Benguela Cove is an anchor point for the globally renowned FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) MTB Race. For the 2025 Switchback route, the estate serves as the thrilling Stage 1 Start, sending hundreds of riders off on their three-day endurance journey. This pivotal role cements Benguela Cove’s identity not just as a producer of fine wine, but as a launchpad for world-class, life-changing adventure, epitomising the active and enduring spirit that defines the Western Cape.
With a world-class new menu, an indispensable conservation cruise, and its role in launching one of the world’s great MTB races, Benguela Cove is ready to define your Spring. Experience the finest food, wine, and adventure the Western Cape has to offer this season.
Visit the estate on the R43. Book your experiences via www.benguelacove.co.za
