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 luxury villa 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 self-catering accommodation in the secure residential area. Each villa has en suite bedrooms, a private pool, WiFi and inverters. The hospitality area at Benguela Cove features a tasting room, the Moody Lagoon Restaurant, wine tastings, vineyard safari and cellar tour, and an eco-cruise pontoon tour of the lagoon. There is a year-round entertainment programme, including live music and art exhibitions.

Family-Owned Hermanus Wine Farm

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 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 Leonardslee Family Vineyards within the Grade I Listed Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens estate.

The wines continue to win awards year on year, including in the Tim Atkin South African Special Report, Michelangelo, Veritas, Winemag and Platter’s competitions, and the Best Wine Tourism Experience hospitality award.

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, with its acclaimed architecture and landscape design, presents a stunning first impression. Visitors can enjoy all these sights and see the famous whales of Hermanus.

Luxury hospitality at the estate aligns with a commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. A World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion, the estate is 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.

The Hermanus wine farm adheres to the rigorous standards of Wines of South Africa, Sustainable Wine South Africa, and Integrated Production of Wine guidelines. Eco-tourism offerings for guests to enjoy include its status as a BirdLife South Africa Recommended Accommodation Partner.

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, there are vineyard safaris as well as wine tastings and cellar tours and guests can even blend their own wine.

The oceanside location offers a new dimension to wine tourism: guests can enjoy an eco-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.

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.

Children are very welcome and can be entertained at the on-site Pirate Adventure Golf Course and Splash Pad. The estate is wheelchair friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs.

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.

Benguela Cove in the Community

The estate takes pride in its strong ties to local businesses. Benguela Cove purchases flowers from Bosman Hermanus, a working flower farm, adding a touch of local beauty to its premises.

The kitchen at Moody Lagoon Restaurant sources its meat from a local butcher in Onrus, Hermanus, ensuring the highest quality and freshest cuts for its discerning guests. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the estate procures fresh, locally and sustainably sourced fish from Abalobi, supporting responsible fishing practices.

Benguela Cove's farm-to-table ethos extends to its fruits and vegetables, which are sourced locally in Hermanus, celebrating the region's agricultural bounty. The estate also supports local craftspeople by selling their arts and crafts in the Pirates Golf curio shop, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their talents.

The estate is a significant employer in the region, offering various jobs from farming to hospitality. Benguela Cove's commitment to nurturing local talent is evident in its internship programmes and seasonal employment opportunities during peak periods. This approach not only provides valuable work experience but also contributes to the local economy.

In a unique initiative, some staff members have the opportunity to work at Benguela Cove's sister property in the UK, broadening their horizons and enhancing their skills in an international setting.

Local Economy and Sustainability

Benguela Cove actively participates in local life, hiring local musicians for live music events and using the services of a local guide for nature walks, enhancing the authentic Hermanus experience for visitors. The estate also supports the community through various initiatives, including donations to the Overberg Wheelchair Association and support for the Hermanus Homeless Shelter.

As members of the Hermanus Business Chamber, Benguela Cove plays a role in shaping the local business landscape. The estate further contributes to community vibrancy by hosting local mountain bike race events, the Benguela Parkrun, and various festivals, bringing together residents and visitors alike.

Benguela Cove's commitment to sustainability extends to its business practices. The estate recycles wine bottles and prints business cards on recycled paper. Guest amenities are locally produced, further supporting the regional economy. The estate also promotes local craft beer and bottled water from Tessies, showcasing the best of Hermanus' artisanal products.

In its expansion efforts, Benguela Cove employs local builders who source local materials for villa construction, ensuring that the estate's growth directly benefits the community. Even day-to-day operations contribute to the local economy, with the estate utilising a local laundry service in Hermanus for its villas. 

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, luxury villa accommodation, pontoon boat cruises, Moody Lagoon Restaurant overlooking the lagoon, wine tastings, Art Gallery, Tea Terrace, Pirate Adventure Golf  

Conservation, Sustainability and Social Responsibility: A World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion, the estate is located in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere nature reserve. 

Head Winemaker: Johann Fourie  

Winemaker:  Michelle Waldeck  

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