Benguela Cove Wine Estate
Winery Description
Location and History
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is situated at the gateway to the cool Walker Bay Wine Region, 18 kilometres outside Hermanus and an hour’s drive from Cape Town International Airport. Positioned on the edge of the Bot River Lagoon, this 200-hectare residential estate and working wine farm is rich with bird life and natural fauna and flora, with the Atlantic Ocean gracing the horizon.
British entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE acquired the estate in 2013 and it now has 70 hectares of vineyards and 10 hectares of olive groves. It is fast becoming a wine tourism destination, offering a variety of dining and wine-related experiences such as cellar tours, wine blending and vineyard safaris, boat cruises, an art gallery, a tea terrace, and adventure golf and splash park for children. We are also a pet friendly estate; well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.
Wine Tasting
Benguela Cove is renowned for producing elegant cool climate wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Mourvèdre. At Benguela Cove’s Cellar Door, wine ambassadors provide guided tastings in a luxurious setting with panoramic views.
The Estate Wine Tasting includes five Estate/Lighthouse Collection wines, while the Bubbly Tasting includes two different Cap Classiques, including Joie de Vivre, voted best Cap Classique in South Africa 2020. The Flagship Wine Tasting includes three wines tasted in stemware specifically selected to complement each wine.
A wide range of food pairings is available, including oysters and handmade chocolates, with food platters featuring seafood, charcuterie, or cheese.
Restaurant
Benguela Cove offer a wide selection of dining experiences. The Moody Lagoon restaurant, situated in the heart of the Benguela Cove winery complex, offers expansive views of the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside and outside covered dining is available.
The Moody Restaurant menu changes frequently, based on the best available seasonal produce. Usual items include soups, salads, fish and chips, risottos, burgers and a selection of desserts. On weekends they also offer brunch.
Afternoon Tea is served with a selection of sweet and savoury treats in Moody Lagoon from 1pm-3pm, perfect for special occasions. Gourmet Picnics are also available, requiring pre-booking. Blackbeard’s Diner offers family-friendly dining alongside the Pirate Adventure Golf area.
Private dining experiences are offered in the Vinotheque (up to 12 guests) or the Barrel Room (accommodating up to 100 guests), combining exceptional food, superb wines, and outstanding service for these events. Bookings essential.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Benguela Cove offers an Adventure Membership, the ultimate package for families and fun lovers. Receive group discounts, benefits and perks – see www.benguelacove.co.za/adventure for more information.
The Art Gallery at Benguela Cove features displays from many of South Africa’s famous and up and coming artists. Owner, Penny Streeter OBE, loves the way art brings a room to life and is particularly interested in contemporary art and sculpture.
The one hour relaxing Pontoon Cruises travel across the lagoon allowing you to take in the natural biosphere of the estate and the surrounding mountains; the perfect way to experience our nautical property. Bookings are essential and are weather permitting. Please contact the Estate for pricing (free when you purchase 6 wines or more).
The whole day Ultimate Benguela Experience includes a pontoon cruise, Pinot Noir tasting, cheese platter, cellar tour, 2 course lunch at Moodys, plus a vineyard tour and tastings and lasts for 7 hours. Bookings essential.
The estate is also an ideal location for hosting weddings or special events, with the picturesque Bot River Lagoon and Palmiet Mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. A variety of interior and exterior spaces are available to suit events of all sizes, from formal lunches and dinners to team-building events and business conferences.
