Diemersfontein Wine Estate
Winery Description
Location and History
For 3 generations, the Sonnenberg family have been creating Diemersfontein moments on this iconic estate in Wellington. Famous for their coffee/chocolate Pinotage, what started as a family retreat is today the home of the world-class Diemersfontein range of wines, countryside hospitality, backed by a story of upliftment and empowerment.
Diemersfontein has belonged to the Sonnenbergs since the early 1940s, when David’s grandfather Max bought the 183 hectare farm, which lies in the shadow of the majestic Hawekwa Mountains and boasts a panoramic view of both Du Toit’s Kloof and Bains’ Kloof mountain ranges. Richard Sonnenberg planted the first vineyards in the 1970s and in 2000, David built a cellar and started producing estate wines.
Stories of an iconic family, unparalleled terroir, the ‘accidental’ birth of an iconic South African wine, a brand bestowed with illustrious accolades and true transformation in the wine industry will be part of your journey in creating your own Diemersfontein moment. Johann and his team of tasting advisers eagerly await your visit!
Wine Tasting
Diemersfontein invites you to stop by for a tasting – there’s so much more to taste than just the Pinotage!
Whilst visiting the tasting room, you are able to sample their full range of wines, including the Diemersfontein Original range, our Flagship Carpe Diem range, as well as the Thokozani Range. A selection of delicious local delicacies are also available to purchase, to accompany your tasting.
Restaurant
Hope offers contemporary bistro cuisine, carefully crafted by a dedicated team of chefs. Drawing inspiration from global culinary traditions and South Africa's rich heritage, the menu incorporates a variety of flavours, textures, and styles designed to complement the wines of Diemersfontein. For over 13 years, guests have enjoyed a warm and welcoming dining experience at The Cellar, a tradition the team continues to uphold.
Accommodation
Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate offers 30 ensuite guest rooms across various accommodation types. Blue Gum Cottage, Thokozani Heaven’s Eye, and Thokozani Summers Lease Cottages each feature a private kitchenette and a verandah overlooking the iconic farm dam, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wellington and Paarl wine valley. The rooms and cottages are furnished in a comfortable country style, providing guests with privacy and the tranquil atmosphere of a true wine estate.
Tours and Activities
For those interested in a cellar tour, Diemersfontein requests that arrangements be made in advance.
Diemersfontein has earned a proud reputation as one of the premier wedding venues in the Cape Winelands. Garden functions can accommodate up to 200 guests, offering a memorable experience with majestic mountain ranges and rolling farmlands as the backdrop. Alternatively, the banqueting venue can host 80 guests with a dancing area, or 100 guests without. The estate provides catering, accommodation, and venue hire, while the wedding coordinator can recommend additional services such as flowers, photography, décor, and music. For more information, please contact the estate.
For conferences, the Thokozani Conference Centre offers tailor-made packages for up to 90 delegates. Once a large fruit-packing shed, the venue retains many original features, adding a rustic yet intimate charm. It is equipped with air conditioning, an entertainment area, modern conferencing equipment, and a large veranda overlooking the horse paddocks and dam. Catering, team-building activities, and accommodation can also be arranged. For more details, please contact the estate.
Guided horse-riding trails on the estate can be arranged through Fynbos Trails. To book, please contact Katrin Steytlers in advance via email at steytlers@mweb.co.za or call 082 335 8132. Please note that rides are weather-dependent.