Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate: Profile

With Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate’s unique location in a tranquil lagoon at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Streeter family has created an outstanding wine tourism destination on the Hermanus Wine Route in the Walker Bay region of South Africa. The latest attractions include new holiday accommodation and an eco-cruise lagoon tour.

Benguela Cove is ranked 53 in the Top 100 of the ‘World’s Best Vineyards’ 2023 and was a winner of the ‘Cellar Door Experience of the Year’ and 10 Medals of Excellence in the Tim Atkin, MW, 2022 South Africa Wine Special Report.

The estate includes luxury accommodation for rental in the secure residential area. Each oceanside villa has en suite bedrooms, a private pool and WiFi. The hospitality area at Benguela Cove features an oyster bar, the Moody Lagoon Restaurant, wine tastings and a pontoon tour of the lagoon, as well as a year-round entertainment programme, including live music and art exhibitions.

In 2013, Penny Streeter OBE acquired the struggling Hermanus wine farm at Benguela Cove and transformed the estate into the award-winning wine producer and hospitality venue that it is today.

The special climatic conditions create a sublime setting for visitors and a special terroir to produce among the best South African wines on the 170-acre vineyard. The south-easterly sea breeze is chilled by the Benguela Current flowing up from Antarctica to cool the grapes at night after warm summer days, irrigated by above-average rainfall, for slow ripening and perfect viniculture.

Penny has since taken her vision to two properties in the UK, with the guidance of Benguela’s acclaimed South African winemaker, Johann Fourie - creating new vineyards in Sussex at England’s first wine and golf estate in 2017, and at Grade I Listed Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in 2018.

The wines continue to win awards year on year, including the Tim Atkin South African Special Report, Michelangelo, Winemag and Platter’s competitions.

Wine Safaris and Whale Sightings

Benguela Cove is situated an hour’s drive from Cape Town International Airport, close to Hermanus, renowned worldwide for whale-watching tourism. The Streeter family’s investment to create a new wine destination has further boosted the attractions of the Western Cape Province, enticing international visitors in search of excellent food, wine and attractions.

Framed by majestic mountains and panoramic views of the Botrivier Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, the 220-hectare wine estate presents a stunning first impression. Visitors can enjoy all these sights and see the famous whales of Hermanus.

The estate is a World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion, located in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere nature reserve. It is a haven for rare birds and other wildlife, sustained by a vineyard team determined to farm as naturally as possible, in harmony with nature.

Pontoon Wine Tasting Eco-Cruise

The Benguela experience starts with one of the friendly wine ambassadors meeting visitors to present the special offerings of the estate. Planted to 65 hectares of vineyards, the vineyard safari route includes a wine tasting and cellar tour and guests can even blend their own wine.

The oceanside location offers a new dimension to wine tourism: guests can enjoy a pontoon cruise on the tranquil lagoon and experience the symmetry of magnificent views, food and wine.

Returning to the estate and visiting the winery, there is a choice of wine tastings, including pairings with cheese, charcuterie or chocolate. Gastronomes can try the signature wine and oyster pairing.

With grand chandeliers, the 400-ton, gravity-fed winery was innovatively designed to house both traditional and the latest winemaking methods for the estate’s main grape cultivars of Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah - as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Complete your visit at the Moody Lagoon Restaurant

For a full day’s enjoyment, guests can dine at the estate’s Moody Lagoon Restaurant, one of the most popular Hermanus restaurants, where local produce is celebrated. Most recently, the estate added a seafood and oyster bar to the range of dining options.

Children are very welcome and can be entertained at the on-site Pirate Adventure Golf Course and Splash Pad.

Wine tours and tastings can be reserved throughout the day. Moody Lagoon Restaurant and the seafood and oyster bar offer a range of seasonal menu options.

www.benguelacove.co.za

Ends

Editors notes

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Name of wine estate: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Country: South Africa

Wine region: Walker Bay, Hermanus

Standout points: Oceanside location and nature reserve, at the edge of the Botrivier Lagoon, cool climate, vineyard and cellar tours, accommodation, pontoon boat cruises, Moody Lagoon Restaurant overlooking the lagoon, wine tastings, Art Gallery, Tea Terrace, Pirate Adventure Golf

Winemaker: Johann Fourie

Production: 350,000 bottles per year

Wine style: Different tiers: Lighthouse Collection, Estate Range, Vinography, Catalina. Styles include Methode Cap Classique, Rosé, Blends, Single Cultivars.

Grape cultivars: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Website: www.benguelacove.co.za

Estate purchased: 2013