Bloemendal Wine Estate
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In Their Words
Bloemendal History & Location
Bloemendal Wine Estate is a historic gem situated in the fertile Durbanville Valley, just 30 minutes from Cape Town. The farm was established in 1702 and is one of the largest wine farms in the region, reaching up along the Kanonberg Mountains.
A producer of world class award-winning wines, Bloemendal spans across 239 hectares and a vast trestling of vineyards. With a restaurant, tasting room, bike track, kids play area, wedding deck and lush lawns available for functions, the versatility of the estate is just waiting to be discovered.
Bloemendal Operating Hours
Wine Tasting: open Tue to Sat 10am-5pm, then Sun & Public Holidays 11am-3pm.
Bon Amis Restaurant: open Tue to Sun 9am-5pm, except Thu to Sat when we open until 10pm (kitchen closes 9pm).
Bloemendal Trail Park: open daily, 8am-5pm. Closed on selected public holidays.
*PLEASE NOTE*
The Tasting Room and Restaurant are closed on Mondays. All times, prices and facilities listed are subject to change. We recommend checking latest details directly with the farm and pre-booking experiences wherever possible, to avoid disappointment.
Bloemendal Wine Tasting
Bloemendal Estate’s award-winning wines are made in a small boutique cellar using old and new world methods, to produce wines that reflect our unique terroir.
Taste your way through our range of wines in the Tasting Room (housed in one of the oldest buildings on the estate) or on the lush terrace. The picturesque lawns and kids’ jungle gym provide the perfect setting to enjoy a chilled bottle or glass of wine, with snack platters and sushi available to order. We also offer a unique wine and ice cream pairing – and kiddies ‘wine’ tastings too!
Wine Tasting Prices
Our tasting selections include 5 wines for R65pp, Wine & Ice Cream Pairing (R100pp), Wine & Chocolate Pairing (R110pp), Wine & Nougat Pairing (R120pp) or a Kids’ Sweet Pairing (R45pp). We sell wines by the glass or bottle plus have a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Bloemendal Restaurants
Bon Amis is a popular family restaurant providing space for friends and family to get together for time well spent. The interior is where understated elegance and functionality meet to create a feeling of space that does not compromise on intimacy. The stacking doors open out onto an outdoor seating area with views of the estate, including a forest, duck pond and kids’ jungle gym.
Menus & Pricing
Specialising in wood-fired pizzas and freshly made sushi, our large a la carte menu also features hearty seasonal fare including breakfasts, burgers, seafood platters and pastas. Main meals start from around R120pp.
Bloemendal Tours & Activities
Currently Bloemendal do not offer cellar or farm tours, however are popular for events and weddings. Contact the estate for any group enquiries and they may be able to assist.
In addition to a number of kids’ jungle gyms, Bloemendal is also home to a hugely popular and family-friendly mountain biking track. The Bloemendal Trail Park provides bike hire, bike fitments and biking events for all ages and levels, with plenty of seating and a small café. Contact info@bloemendaltrailpark.co.za or 060 657 6344 for more information.
When Lucy Visited
I hadn’t heard much about Bloemendal before my visit so wasn’t quite sure what to expect, however I left impressed. It's perfect for active families or groups of friends who enjoy plenty of facilities and relaxed spaces to catch up in.
So why make the trip out to Bloemendal?
First and foremost – the farm is a mecca for energetic adults and kids. Bloemendal forms part of the wider Tygerberg Trails, a network of over 170 kms of varied mountain bike tracks which cut across 21 farms in the Durbanville Wine Route area, popular with both cyclists and trail runners of all ages and abilities.
Bloemendal have gone one step further and developed their own family-friendly Trail Park, complete with a cute cafe and bar. Whilst you can visit the cafe and bar for free, day entry to ride the trails costs from R40 (kids) and R60 (adults). Bike hire, should you need it, must be pre-booked on their website and keep an eye out for cycle-focused workshops and a range of annual sporting events. When I was here on a Sunday, there were loads of kids of all ages on the trails and it looked very well organised.
Another big reason for families to visit are for the fun facilities on the main section of the farm, including multiple jungle gyms, a rabbit hutch, a blow up water slide (weekends only in summer) and lots of grassy areas for little ones to run around on.
For couples – don’t worry though – you can escape all that madness! The lovely tasting area is set away from the more lively parts of the farm and they offer a wide variety of wine tastings in a peaceful setting.
So What About The Farm Itself?
Bloemendal is split into several distinct areas and feels very much like a warm and rustic working wine farm, with plenty of pretty Cape Dutch buildings, country outhouses and red, dusty roads to remind you that you are well and truly out in nature.
The section closest to the entrance is where the farm’s main bistro restaurant Bon Amis sits, alongside the main kids’ play area. Here you’ll find plenty of indoor and outdoor shaded seating. Indoors looked bright and airy, however on a sunny day you’ll probably want to be outside on one of the pub-style tables scattered throughout the garden, under swaying willow trees and overlooking the jungle gym and pond.
This area is great for families as the kids’ play area is fantastic – slides, a trampoline, climbing frames, swings, the large rabbit hutch – and a separate section for smaller ones. Great for parents who want to be right amongst their kids whilst having a leisurely lunch. The restaurant has a wide menu but specialises in sushi and pizzas – the vibe is very casual.
Behind this section you then have the Rose Garden: a large enclosed lawn area with a bar and gazebos, often used for events and weddings. On a summer’s day the lawn fills with groups and families relaxing on couches which are dotted under the trees – these are on a first come, first served basis. In the corner of this lawn there is also a large blow up water slide (available weekends only in summer) so be warned: any relaxation on the sofas will be peppered with intermittent happy screams from nearby kids! Unless undercover for an event, this area is probably best enjoyed in summer.
Continue on past this area and you enter the tranquil wine tasting courtyard, complete with a pretty Cape Dutch tasting room, outdoor deck with tables, a couple of intimate gazebos and a small kids’ play area. This section felt a little smarter and more grown up somehow; perhaps it’s been more recently refurbished as it had modern stylish touches including a bamboo-lined roof and dramatic chandeliers.
Finally at the far end of the farm is the MTB Trail Park, with its own dedicated covered cafe, bar and small pop up gear shop. Here you can take a seat and watch the riders in action, grab a coffee and quick snack or simply soak up the local vibe.
So What About Bloemendal’s Wine Tasting?
In spite of its relatively large physical size, Bloemendal is actually a boutique winemaker and like many wine farms in Durbanville, they specialise in Sauvignon Blanc – however also produce a number of other wines across their Waterlily and premium Estate ranges. Their Tasting Room has both inside and outside covered seating and even some cosy gazebos.
Tasting options were impressive: R65pp for 5 glasses (3 Waterlily and 2 Estate), or you can try and Wine & Nougat, Wine & Ice Cream or Wine & Chocolate pairing – or even a Kids’ Sweet pairing. Alternatively you can have wine by the glass or bottle, a coffee, or if you’re feeling peckish you can order pizza, sushi, a cheese platter or a simple dessert.
I tried the Nougat pairing with Waterlily Wines. My wine server was very enthusiastic, explaining about each and the history of the farm – even arranging for a free sample of their prized 2015 Noble Late Harvest. This was absolutely gorgeous – beautifully golden in colour with peach and honey on the palate. Super sweet (it was harvested during the hot drought years) however still a firm favourite of mine alongside their salmon-pink Merlot Rosé which offered beautiful strawberry flavours.
Would you feel out of place bringing your child to this calmer wine tasting area? No, I don’t think so. They have a small jungle gym in this area and there were a few kids playing quietly, and the little girl on the table next to me seemed to be in heaven trying their Kids’ Sweet pairing with apple juice and a strawberry and bubblegum ice cream!
In Summary
If you have kids, Bloemendal would be up there in my top 3 family-friendly wine farms to visit if in the Cape Town area. But even if you don’t have little ones, the historic and versatile working farm is split into so many sections you could easily find a cosy spot for a tasting or lunch, to spend a couple of lazy hours here, whether it be summer or winter. Such a great all rounder!
Top Tip!
Fancy organising a kids birthday party with a difference? The Bloemendal MTB Trail Park is hugely popular and they offer tailored packages including venue setup, food and drinks, bike hire and other kid-friendly activities including a Bike Skills Clinic, Mechanic Workshop and Mountain Bike Games. Check out www.bloemendaltrailpark.co.za/kids-parties for more information and prices.
