Lothian of Elgin
Winery Description
In its opulent lakeside setting on the banks of the Palmiet River in the Elgin Valley, Lothian Vineyards shines in a class of its own.
Originally from Scotland, the Wilson family hail from three generations of Cape winemakers, having grown up on their grandmother’s Rust en Vrede vineyard in the 1950’s and 60’s. Years of searching for the perfect location finally revealed Elgin’s cool-climate terroir as an elegant setting for producing exceptional Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Rosé varietals.
Lothian's breathtaking setting is in a pristine part of the Elgin Valley, surrounded by fynbos-clad mountains and rolling green hills. In addition to wine tasting, the estate also boasts the exclusive-use Lothian House, a 22,000 sq. ft architectural wonder featuring uninterrupted views of vineyards, orchards, the private lake, river and mesmerising Elgin valley. Naturally lending itself to a relaxing family retreat, adult escape or private event, Lothian House offers an extraordinary Cape Vineyard overnight experience.
With its pristine lakeside setting, mountainous backdrop and stylish exclusive-use accommodation, Lothian Vineyards is particularly popular for weddings, events and conferences, offering a range of tailored experiences with state of the art facilities.
Location and History
Wine Tasting
Due to Elgin’s altitude and proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean, the valley’s cool environment makes it the ideal home for varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé and Riesling – permitting a predominantly non-interventionist approach to wine making.
Wine tasting is usually undertaken in Lothian House or on the house deck, however should the house be booked, tastings take place in the winery. Wine tasting includes six wines and a cellar tour if requested. On weekends cellar tours are available by appointment only and must be pre-booked.
Restaurant
Accommodation
Lothian House boasts uninterrupted vineyard, orchard, water and mountain views, with six exquisite bedrooms in the main house and two bedrooms in an exterior guest wing with its own kitchenette and lounge, allowing families or groups that little extra space.
Additional facilities include a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fire pit, bbq braai area, kids’ jungle gym and play lounge, fussball, air hockey, plus a helipad and access to wider activities on the estate. These include hikes and bird watching, picnics, fishing, water skiing, tubing, tennis and paint balling.
Tours and Activities