Lanzerac Wine Estate 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 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 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 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 and Suites

Lanzerac’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’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 is 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 is 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 is 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 is 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 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 and Events — 6 Five-Star Venues

Lanzerac’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 and Accessibility

Lanzerac is located on Lanzerac Road in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, in the heart of the Jonkershoek Valley. The estate is 5 minutes from Stellenbosch town and 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. A complimentary shuttle to Stellenbosch town operates at set times, and free on-site parking is available for all guests. Visit lanzerac.co.za for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the capacity for weddings at Lanzerac Wine Estate?
A: The Cellar Hall Venue can accommodate up to 140 guests for wedding receptions. The venue is newly refurbished, fully air-conditioned, and features state-of-the-art facilities. Outdoor ceremonies can also be conducted in the landscaped gardens and vineyards with the Cape Dutch Manor House as a backdrop.

Q: What is included in the room rate at Lanzerac?
A: Room rates include a 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 service between the hotel and Stellenbosch town.

Q: Why is Lanzerac famous in South African wine history?
A: Lanzerac is the birthplace of bottled Pinotage and became the first South African winery to label Pinotage on its bottle in 1959. The Pinotage varietal was developed by Prof Abraham Izak Perold, the University of Stellenbosch’s first Professor of Viticulture, by crossing Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut).

Q: How many conference venues does Lanzerac have?
A: Lanzerac has 6 recently renovated five-star conference venues. These versatile venues range from the main Cellar Hall to intimate boardrooms and are suitable for corporate conferences, management meetings, product launches, and team-building workshops.

Q: What dining options are available at Lanzerac Wine Estate?
A: Lanzerac offers four distinct dining venues: The Manor Kitchen (flagship fine dining restaurant), Taphuis (gastro pub-style restaurant open 12:00–20:00 daily), Lanzerac Deli (gourmet artisanal produce and light bites, open 08:00–17:00 daily), and The Craven Lounge (evening venue with premium spirits, wine, and tapas).

Q: What spa facilities does Lanzerac offer?
A: The Lanzerac Spa features 8 private treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, mist rooms, and a fully equipped fitness room. The estate also has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Complimentary access to the hydro facilities is included in all room rates.

Q: How far is Lanzerac from Cape Town International Airport?
A: Lanzerac is 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 5 minutes from Stellenbosch town. The estate is located in the Jonkershoek Valley in the Cape Winelands and offers free on-site parking and complimentary shuttles to Stellenbosch town.

Q: When was Lanzerac Wine Estate established?
A: Lanzerac was established in 1692, making it the third oldest farm in the Stellenbosch area. It was originally named Schoongezicht (meaning “wonderful view”) by its first owner Isaac Schrijver and has evolved over more than 330 years into one of the Cape’s most distinguished hospitality destinations.

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