Weltevrede
Winery Description
Location and History
Nestled in the heart of the Robertson Valley, South Africa, lies Weltevrede Wine Estate, a charming tourist attraction. This estate is approximately 182 km from Cape Town, 24 km from Robertson, and near Bonnievale. It is an ideal option whether you are a sommelier or have zero knowledge about winemaking.
With a rich history dating back to 1912, the estate has been in the capable hands of the Jonker family for generations. It is now in the hands of fourth-generation owner and winemaker, Philip Jonker. Their passion for winemaking is evident in every bottle, reflecting the unique terroir of the region. Having seen and learned from the best, Philip turned this passion into a legacy guiding Weltevrede into becoming a Chardonnay-only estate. Known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Cap Classique, Weltevrede offers a diverse range of wines to suit every palate and captures the essence of the wine valley.
Beyond the actual wine, the estate boasts stunning vineyards and a beautiful rose garden, where visitors can spend the day strolling with the fresh air in their lungs, a charming on-site restaurant and Deli with a children's play area, a second, more informal, tasting room, and a variety of experiences inside the cool, dimly lit tasting room featuring a fireplace, ideal for the colder days. The underground tours and hands-on activities include the Captivated by Cap Classique, Create Your Own, and Captivated by Chardonnay. This is where the real award awaits.
Exploring this wine estate is an ideal option for a couple, a group of friends, or family, wanting to spend some quality time together.
Wine Tasting
At Weltevrede, wine enthusiasts can indulge in a remarkable tasting experience highlighting their newest collection of Weltevrede Chardonnays. As part of the tasting, visitors can explore the globally recognised charm of Chardonnay, understanding its origins and the specific terroir that characterises the Robertson valley. Those who appreciate sparkling wines can enjoy sampling the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut, which brings the complexities of Cap Classique to life. The tasting takes place in an underground tasting room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the ambiance and history of the cellar, or outside next to the gardens. The guided tours not only provide tastings but also insights into the intricate production process from vineyard cultivation to the glass, enriching the visitor's understanding of the art of winemaking.
Restaurant
Chefs Juan Fourie and Samantha Morris-Fourie are the husband and wife team spear heading Kapokbos Restaurant.
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Create Your Own:
This is the time to unleash your inner winemaker and play a hands-on role in creating your own bottle of Cap Classique to take home. If you want to know how a bottle of Cap Classique is put together, this is for you. You will be guided through the production process by a knowledgeable guide on how to disgorge, dosage, cork and label your very own bottle of Cap Classique, a unique and memorable souvenir. This experience will leave you with a sense of accomplishment bubbled up within.
Captivated by Chardonnay:
Whether you are looking for an educational, heartfelt, or relaxed experience, the Captivated by Chardonnay tour promises to exceed your expectations. This one hour underground tour is divided into three parts. Visitors will start by learning where Chardonnay is produced in the world and how it spread to the Robertson Valley. Secondly, the tour will focus on the winemaker’s philosophy, the hand of the artisan, and why he pursues an elegant, unpretentious style in Chardonnay. Lastly, visitors will move to the deepest part of the underground tour where they will be looking at the history of wine dating back to 500 years B.C.
The tour ends with a poetry reading, written by Philip Jonker, while visitors sip on the exclusive Poet’s Prayer Chardonnay. This tour is an in-depth experience of the essence of Chardonnay, geography, geology, history, and hope. Visitors can experience all of this while savouring this noble cultivar in the dimly lit underground wine tanks.
Captivated by Cap Classique:
This underground experience is more than just tasting sparkling wine; it’s a journey through time, a celebration of craftsmanship, and an experience of pure indulgence. Whether you are looking for a casual or luxurious experience, the Captivated by Cap Classique experience will leave you in awe.
During this one-hour experience, you will gain insights into the stages of bubbly making and the difference between Cap Classique and Champagne. You will be guided through the process of Cap Classique and learn the subtle influences of grape varietals, maturation time, and the magic of second fermentation. Visitors will then be taken on a tour in the historical, underground cellars where they will learn about the history of Cap Classique, why Weltevrede never conforms to the norm, and the secret of the 600 missing bottles.
During this experience, you will have the opportunity to celebrate both Champagne and Cap Classique, and the tour is then followed by a tasting of current vintages. If you opt for the complete Cap Classique experience your guide will then take you to the production area where the real fun begins. This is where you will have the option to Create Your Own.
