It’s been more than 300 years since German farmer Christoffel Hazenwinkel first made his home here on the untamed slopes of the Bottelary Hills, naming his new home Hazendal for the abundant Cape hares that roamed free. Over the centuries, and through a succession of pioneering owners, this once-humble homestead has evolved into one of the most dynamic destinations the Stellenbosch Winelands has to offer.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for the Cape Winelands, which is often billed as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Hazendal offers an unforgettable food and wine experience. Whether you’re a local looking for inspired cuisine, or a tourist seeking an authentic taste of the Cape, you’ll find them here.
Start at the elegant Wine Lounge, where knowledgeable ambassadors will talk you through the estate’s concise range of terroir-focused wines. Capturing the essence of the Bottelary Hills – cooled by sea breezes on both sides – it’s a fascinating dive into the nuances of this corner of the Stellenbosch winelands.
If the wine has whet your appetite, you’re in luck. Begin at the delightful Deli, where you’ll find hearty all-day breakfasts –alongside a creative collection of small plates that allow you to create your own dining experience. Or opt for a summery Deli picnic basket, best enjoyed on the shaded lawns of the historic werf. The Food Truck is another great option for lighter bites on the go.
Beyond the culinary adventures, Hazendal offers a remarkable range of ways for the entire family to while away a summer’s day.
Making full use of the expansive estate’s scenic location overlooking the vineyard-clad slopes of the Bottelary Hills, Hazendal has recently established itself as one of the leading golf destinations in the Winelands.
The heart of the offering is Hazendal’s 18-hole par-3 golf course, immaculately landscaped withindigenous fynbos and hundreds of trees framing clipped fairways and rolling greens laid to US Golf AssociatioGolf n standards. To hone your skills, or warm up for a round, tee up at the driving range, where industry-leading Inrange technology offers an enhanced practice experience. Hazendal’s golf facilities are open to all visitors, with membership packages on offer for regular players. You can also bring the entire family, thanks to the 27 holes of colourful fun at the Putting Park.
Hazendal has long been a proudly family-friendly destination, welcoming children of all ages, whether it’s exploring the fynbos gardens or splashing through the gurgling streams of the restored wetlands.
But the highlight for younger visitors to Hazendal is undoubtedly Wonderdal, a vibrant world of colour and creativity that blends world-class technology and an immersive narrative to create a memorable journey combining learning with play.
Across a range of age-appropriate learning zones – focused on energy, nutrition and life skills – there’s play and learning aplenty, while in the Tinker Workshop ‘Wonderdal Pals’ introduce young adventurers to simple scientific principles. Outdoors, the creative playgrounds of the ‘Wildlands’ are the ideal place to burn off pent-up energy. While youngsters enjoy Wonderdal – the space is secure and supervised at all times – parents can enjoy the Classic Car collection in the pavilion, or the curated exhibitions in the Marvol gallery.
With such an array of entertainment and adventure on offer, more than a day is needed to explore all that Hazendal has to offer. Happily, you don’t have to leave!
A brand-new addition to the estate is The Hazendal boutique hotel, with 34 rooms and suites laid out around a landscaped courtyard, sheltered from the wind and home to an eye-catching swimming pool and pavilion that’s ideal for lazy days in the sun.
The Hazendal presents a variety of accommodation options, each tailored to offer a distinct and memorable experience. For guests looking for something extra special, the hotel provides indulgent choices such as the Superior and Luxury Rooms, perfect for that well-deserved summer escape. The highlight of these offerings is the expansive 122 sqm Presidential Suite, which stands out for its opulence and space.
And while the estate’s numerous attractions are on the doorstep, there’s little need to leave the new hotel. Once you’ve settled the kids in the hotel’s private cinema head for dinner at The Restaurant, where award-winning Executive Chef Michélle Theron brings her thoroughly modern take to Cape Winelands cuisine. Think smoked snoek ravioli in corn bisque for starters or biltong-spiced free-range beef for mains.
Looking for something lighter? True to the growing trend towards meat-free plates, you’ll also find a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu on offer. After dinner, retire to the colourful cigar bar, indulging in your favourite malt whisky and perhaps a hand-rolled Cohiba.
It’ll be a fine end to an unforgettable stay on Hazendal estate, a farm with a long history and a bright future, where the rich heritage of the Cape is embraced and reimagined into a contemporary Winelands destination.
It’s a place for journeys of exploration, whether they’re in the wine cellar and restaurants or out on the golf course. A destination for relaxation and indulgence. A destination for couples and families alike. A destination for gourmands, golfers and those who love a glorious garden. In other words? A destination for everyone, and one that you shouldn’t miss out on this summer.
For more information contact 021 903 5034 | E-mail: [email protected] | www.hazendal.co.za
or visit Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
