Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate
Winery Description
Location and History
Once known as Attaquaskloof, this charming estate is located just 4 km from the Atlantic Ocean, close to the seaside town of Hermanus in the Walker Bay Wine Region. The region enjoys a temperate climate, tempered by soft southeastern winds from the bay, leading to prolonged and cooler ripening seasons compared to other wine regions in South Africa. This extended maturation period allows the grapes to fully develop without the risk of inland heatwaves, resulting in wines that preserve their fruity essence, display refinement, and offer a lingering finish. Hermanus is also well-known for its abalone industry, a homage acknowledged by the Eksteen family in their premier and hallmark wine labels, which showcase an abalone shell with a delicate mother-of-pearl shine.
Wine Tasting
Bartho Eksteen offers various wines skillfully developed over many years, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and a Red Blend. These wines showcase the unique characteristics of the region's terroir and the family's commitment to quality. Each range offers its unique take on the terroir and grapes.
Bartho firmly believes that a winemaker should dedicate as much time as possible to the vineyard during harvest. He views the challenges of each vintage as a character-shaping experience that keeps one grounded and humble. His faith in the terroir of Hermanus and its neighbouring areas is unwavering, and he recognises it as one of the most challenging regions in South Africa.
Wine Tasting is a personal experience, with great attention to detail, at the Stables at Maná or in the historical old Mill House on the farm, a building from 1850.
Restaurant
Maná is named after the Hebrew word in the Bible, referring to the miraculous food God provided to the Israelites in the desert, as recounted in the book of Exodus when the food they brought from Egypt ran out. The name is expressed in Spanish in honour of Sol Yerden Eksteen, the family's Argentinian daughter, who married Pieter Willem in 2019. At Maná – Deli & Lunches, the "maná" comes from heaven and their own valley of heaven and earth. At Maná you can order platters made of local cheeses and homemade charcuterie, preserves and sourdough bread.
PICNICS & PLATTERS: Guests can enjoy picturesque picnic spots, short forest hikes, and a boule court. Delight in your picnic accompanied by Bartho's distinctive wines while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Hemel & Aarde Valley, either in the garden or at a cosy table inside Maná. The shop also offers a selection of pickles, preserves, and other treats to fill your platter or picnic basket or to take home.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate is home to the original Hemel & Aarde Valley Mill House. Nestled on the banks of the Onrus River beneath a majestic old oak tree, the location is truly unparalleled. The Mill House has been carefully renovated and furnished with Bartho's private collection of wines, vinotheque selections, a few maturing barrels, and a large table. It is a favourite spot for Bartho and Pieter Willem to host guests, offering them rare and older vintage wines paired with catering from Maná. The venue is also available for booking, perfect for creating personalised experiences for both private and corporate events.