What a pleasure it was to spend Friday, 31 July 2026 at iconic Lanzerac, joining Kim and Mira from Sun & Safari for a wonderful site inspection followed by a truly sumptuous lunch.
A special thank you to Kim and Carmen for the invitation, and to Nathan Daly, Trade & Guest Relations Manager, for taking us through this magnificent historic estate and sharing his knowledge and passion for Lanzerac.
There were many highlights during our visit, but one that particularly captivated me was seeing the first bottle of Pinotage showcased in the estate cellar.
The Birth of Pinotage
In 1961, a harvest from Lanzerac was released by Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery under the Lanzerac label. The 1959 vintage became the world’s first commercially bottled Pinotage, forever linking Lanzerac with South Africa’s signature grape variety. It is a remarkable piece of South African wine history—and standing in the cellar where that history is celebrated makes the story all the more special.
But at Lanzerac, you don’t only taste wine, you can also taste water!
Water Tasting
The Water Tasting in The Library, the first of its kind in South Africa, was led by Nico Pieterse, one of only two of South Africa’s Certified Water Sommeliers. Listening to Nico explain the different qualities and characteristics of water was fascinating. The subtle differences in taste and quality certainly opened my eyes to a whole new appreciation of what we drink—and how much the origin and composition of something as seemingly simple as water can influence the experience.
A Sublime Place to Stay
Lanzerac’s accommodation is every bit as impressive as its setting, with 54 individually decorated rooms and suites, each offering its own sense of character and understated elegance.
Seven larger suites feature spacious lounges with fireplaces and private terraces with pools, while five junior suites offer comfortable lounge areas and private terraces. The standard and luxury rooms are equally exquisite, providing an elegant retreat within this extraordinary estate.
And then there is the Spa—beautifully luxurious and designed as a sanctuary in which to completely unwind. It is a retreat in every sense of the word.
Yet perhaps what makes Lanzerac so special is the way everything comes together: its rich history, exceptional wine heritage, exquisite accommodation, superb cuisine, wellness experiences and breathtaking Cape Winelands setting.
This iconic estate at the tip of Africa seamlessly fuses centuries of Cape heritage with elegant, contemporary luxury—creating an unforgettable experience for the discerning traveller.
Iconic Landmark since 1958
Back in 1958 it was the well-known visionary hotelier, “Lord” David Rawdon of Rawdons Hotel Natal Midlands, Matjiesfontein, and The Marine in Hermanus, who ushered in an exciting new era when he converted the historical farm into an elegant hotel and landmark. Changing the original cellar and its surrounding buildings into bars, lounges, dining area and hotel rooms.
I have experienced this iconic landmark with many a visit over the years for a sumptuous Sunday lunch, a weekend stay and a couple of overnight stays to attend friends weddings held at Lanzerac. And after this my most recent visit, I can certainly understand why Lanzerac continues to hold such a special place among the Cape’s most celebrated estates.
