Profile
Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most storied, celebrated, and luxurious five-star hotel and event destinations — a 162-hectare working wine estate with a history stretching back to 1692, nestled in the foothills of the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Established as the third oldest farm in the Stellenbosch area and originally named Schoongezicht (meaning “wonderful view”) by its first owner Isaac Schrijver, Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch has evolved over more than 330 years into one of the Cape’s most distinguished hospitality and heritage destinations — synonymous with old-world charm, Cape Dutch architecture, world-class hospitality, and fine wine.
Most notably, Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch is the birthplace of bottled Pinotage — the iconic South African wine grape varietal developed by crossing Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut). Lanzerac became the first South African winery to label Pinotage on its bottle in 1959, a milestone that cemented the estate’s place in global wine history. Today, under the direction of Cellar Master Wynand Lategan and Farm Manager Philip le Roux, Lanzerac continues to produce award-winning Pinotage and a diverse range of estate wines.
A Cape Heritage Estate Since 1692
The approach to Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch sets the tone immediately: a grand oak-lined avenue leading to the iconic white-washed Cape Dutch Manor House, flanked by manicured vineyards and overlooked by the dramatic mountains of the Jonkershoek Valley. The estate’s 10 hectares of award-winning landscaped gardens feature numerous ancient oak trees — some over 160 years old — providing canopied shade and an atmosphere of extraordinary historical depth.
In 2017, a fire damaged significant portions of the iconic hotel. Rather than diminish this great estate, the subsequent refurbishment created what has been described as a resurrection — “much like protea bushes need to burn in order to germinate their gorgeous blooms, Lanzerac rose from the ashes to be more beautiful, luxurious and welcoming than ever.” The rebuilt hotel preserves and celebrates the bones of the original Manor House while introducing the finest contemporary finishes and facilities.
Accommodation — 53 Individually Styled Rooms & Suites
Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch’s 53 luxurious en-suite rooms and suites are each individually decorated — no two rooms share the same furniture, colour palette, or layout:
- King-size or twin bed configurations
- Plush velvet furnishings, antique rugs, and eclectic elegant finishes
- Nespresso machine, mini bar (replenished once daily), in-room safe
- Air-conditioning and under-floor heating
- Satellite TV, international direct dial telephone
- En-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower; luxury toiletries
- Private patios with views of the vineyards, gardens, or mountains
- Turn-down service daily, including bottled water
- Free Wi-Fi
Rates include: Full continental breakfast daily, select mini-bar replenishment, complimentary wine tasting of 5 Lanzerac estate wines, guided cellar tour (daily at 11AM), use of spa hydro facilities, and complimentary shuttle between the hotel and Stellenbosch town.
The Wine — Home of the World’s First Bottled Pinotage
Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch’s wine identity is one of the most significant in South Africa:
- World’s first bottled Pinotage — Lanzerac placed Pinotage on the label for the first time in 1959
- The varietal was developed by Prof Abraham Izak Perold, the University of Stellenbosch’s first Professor of Viticulture
- Complimentary wine tasting of 5 estate wines, included with every stay
- Guided cellar tour of the working Lanzerac Winery — daily at 11AM
- Wine Safari — an in-depth exploration of the vineyards, grape cultivars, and winemaking process
- On-site wine tasting room with veranda views over the vineyards
Dining — Four Distinct Venues
The Manor Kitchen The estate’s flagship fine dining restaurant — housed in the historic Manor House:
- Lavish breakfast buffet with hot meals on order
- Classic dinner dishes reimagined with contemporary influences
- Saturday afternoon tea and the famous Sunday lunch — both beloved traditions
- Locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients throughout
Taphuis A gastro pub-style restaurant dating to the 1960s — one of the estate’s most characterful spaces:
- Antique yellowwood furniture and a large Cape Dutch kitchen fireplace at the centre
- Sharing platters, light meals, and Cape wagyu steaks
- Gourmet pub-style cuisine at its finest
- Indoor dining and shaded outdoor terrace
- Open daily 12:00–20:00
Lanzerac Deli A gourmet retreat for artisanal produce and light bites:
- Home-made jams, freshly baked breads and pastries
- Gourmet sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie platters
- Picnic baskets available
- Open daily 08:00–17:00
The Craven Lounge An evening gathering space of leather, dark wood, and firelight:
- Extensive selection of premium whiskeys, gins, tequilas, and local and international spirits
- Carefully curated wine list and craft beers
- Tapas menu — the perfect accompaniment to a nightcap
- Open every evening; the fire burns late into the night
The Lanzerac Spa
A world-class wellness retreat surrounded by vineyards and mountains:
- 8 private treatment rooms
- Massages, skincare, and body treatments by highly trained therapists
- Heated indoor pool
- Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and mist rooms
- Fully equipped fitness room
- Vitality Corner — nutritious cuisine, raw juices, and tropical smoothies
- 2 outdoor swimming pools on the estate grounds
- Complimentary access to hydro facilities included in all room rates
Weddings — One of Stellenbosch’s Leading Wedding Venues
Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch is revered as one of the Cape Winelands’ premier wedding destinations:
- Ceremonies conducted against the backdrop of the Cape Dutch Manor House
- Cellar Hall Venue — newly refurbished indoor reception venue; fully air-conditioned; state-of-the-art facilities; capacity up to 140 guests
- Outdoor ceremonies in the landscaped gardens and vineyards
- Multiple cocktail areas and photographic settings across the estate
- Professional banqueting team managing every detail
- “Handcrafted wedding celebrations that epitomise style and exclusivity”
Conferences & Events — 6 Five-Star Venues
Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch’s 6 recently renovated conference venues are set against the magnificent Jonkershoek mountains:
- Suitable for corporate conferences, management meetings, high-profile events, product launches, and team-building workshops
- Versatile venues from the main Cellar Hall to intimate boardrooms
- Five-star facilities and exceptional catering
- Bespoke culinary packages for every event type and budget
- Expert event management team
Location & Accessibility
- Address: Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- Website: lanzerac.co.za
- 5 minutes from Stellenbosch town | 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport
- Jonkershoek Valley, Cape Winelands
- Complimentary shuttle to Stellenbosch town at set times
- Free on-site parking
Practical Details
- Established: 1692 (third oldest farm in Stellenbosch)
- Estate: 162 hectares (working wine farm)
- Rooms: 53 individually styled
- Pinotage: First bottle labelled 1959 — a world milestone
- Cellar tour: Daily at 11AM (complimentary with stay)
- Weddings: Cellar Hall — up to 140 guests
- Conference venues: 6 (recently renovated, five-star)
- Spa: 8 treatment rooms; indoor heated pool; jacuzzi; sauna; steam room
- Pools: 2 outdoor + 1 indoor heated
- Best for: Luxury winelands stays, destination weddings, corporate conferences, spa retreats, wine safaris, anniversary celebrations, honeymoons, romantic getaways
For wedding packages, conference bookings, and accommodation reservations, visit the official Lanzerac Wine Estate website.
Also explore other popular wine estate wedding venues in Stellenbosch or browse Western Cape luxury event venues on Event Venues SA.
