Clouds Estate
Winery Description
Location and History
Situated on one of the world’s most beautiful mountain passes, Clouds Wine and Guest Estate is a boutique hotel and working wine farm just 10 minutes from Stellenbosch, 20 minutes from Franschhoek and only 45 minutes from Cape Town International airport.
Great lovers of food, wine and design, a Dutch couple purchased this petite Estate with its own vineyards, accommodation and extraordinary views in 2012 and turned it into a dream destination. Designer furniture and original art by a selection of South African artists feature in all the rooms and around the lounge, bar and gardens.
Surrounded by the dramatic Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains, we offer premium accommodation, a range of wines under our own label and a contemporary restaurant, making any visit to Clouds Estate difficult to forget.
Wine Tasting
The Mediterranean climate supports the cultivation of some of the world’s best wines. In 2012 they planted Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Chardonnay, and added Shiraz, Carignan and Grenache Noir in 2019 to make up the annual harvest. The farm produces its own MCC, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and a fantastic Bordeaux style Red Blend. The wines are equally enjoyable now but will mature beautifully over time. Enjoy wine tasting on our deck with a flight of five wines, with the option of including snacks (nuts and chips). Please note that Clouds Estate has limited seating and pre-booking is recommended.
Restaurant
Clouds serves a small, intimate menu for lunch and dinner, in the relaxed atmosphere of our restaurant or alfresco when the weather permits. Please note hotel guests enjoy priority and we recommend calling ahead to check if the estate has availability.
Their food philosophy is fresh, seasonal and bursting with flavour. The chefs source the highest quality ingredients and believe that good food brings people together. They grow their own herbs and use mostly local ingredients.
At breakfast expect freshly squeezed juices, just-out-the-oven croissants, French toast, omelettes, Eggs Benedict and a full English breakfast. Lunch consists of light meals such as open sandwiches, soups and fresh pasta. For dinner there is a small selection of starters, mains and desserts.
Accommodation
The Estate features seven rooms in the hotel section of the property, five villas set in landscaped gardens, as well as two Pool suites, all surrounded by vineyards. There are three pools on site, at the hotel, a smaller pool is shared by the pool suites and one pool is dedicated to villa guests only.
All accommodation has been designed to offer guests panoramic views of the landscape via floor to ceiling windows and feature designer furnishings, original South African art, top of the range technology and a complimentary mini bar stocked on arrival. Please note children 16 and above are welcome in the hotel and children 12 and above in the villas.
Tours and Activities
Currently Clouds do not offer cellar tours however are popular for events and small weddings. Contact the Estate for any group enquiries and they will be able to assist.