Hazendal Wine Estate
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In Their Words
Hazendal History & Location
Located in the scenic Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch in close proximity to Cape Town, historic Hazendal Wine Estate offers guests of all ages a myriad of activities and memorable experiences to explore.
Hazendal’s origins stem from 1699, when German settler Christoffel Hazenwinkel made his way to South Africa’s Cape. Hazenwinkel worked for Governor van der Stel, who granted him 60 hectares of land. Inspired by his own name and the population of Cape hares which inhabited the area at the time, Christoffel named the farm Hazendal, Dutch for ‘valley of the hares’. The first Cape Dutch buildings were erected in the 18th Century and then in 1831, the farm was bought by the Bosman family, remaining in their hands for five generations, during which time the first vines were planted.
Hazendal was bought in 1994 by Dr Mark Voloshin, the farm’s current Russian-born owner – and is managed as a family affair. In 2018, after a period of extensive renovation, Hazendal reopened as a multi-faceted Winelands destination, bringing together the farm’s rich history and heritage with contemporary design, innovative ideas and a Russian flavour.
Full of fun, Hazendal is a kids’ paradise and we pride ourselves on being a destination that caters for all, serving contemporary global cuisine alongside boutique wines, in a place where modern architecture blends seamlessly with Cape Dutch history.
Hazendal Operating Hours
Wine Tasting: open Tue to Sun 11am-5pm (last tasting 30 mins prior).
Wine Library Food, Wine & Cellar Experience: available Tue to Sun at 12.30pm.
Russian Tea Ceremony: available Tue to Sun 10am-5pm (last booking 3pm, pre-booking essential).
Babushka Deli: open Tue, Wed & Sun 8am-5pm & Thu to Sat 8am-9pm (kitchen closes 1 hour prior).
Picnics: available Sep-May, Tue to Sun at 10am or 1pm (pre-booking essential).
Pivnushka Beer Garden: open Sep-May, from Tue to Sun 11am-5pm (kitchen closes at 4pm).
Wonderdal Kids Centre: open Tue to Sun 9am-5pm. During school holidays we stay open till 6pm, Tue to Sat.
The Marvol Gallery: open Tue to Fri 10am-5pm and Sat & Sun 9am-5pm.
*PLEASE NOTE*
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.
Hazendal Wine Tasting
As one of the oldest estates in the Bottelary Hills, Hazendal boasts a long tradition of winemaking excellence, crafting wines that truly express the coastal terroir of this unique corner of South Africa’s winelands.
Set in the farm’s original 1870 wine cellar, the wine Lounge is a beautifully refurbished venue to discover the cellar’s terroir-driven range of wines including our everyday Christoffel Hazenwinkel Range and flagship Hazendal Estate Range.
In addition to wine tasting, we also offer a 2 hour Wine Library Experience, including a tour of our cellar and food and wine pairing, in our elegant subterranean Wine Library.
Wine Tasting Prices
Choose from a trio of tasting flights including any 3 wines for R65pp, 6 wines for R95pp (3 Christoffel Hazenwinkel and 3 Estate wines) or a selection of any 6 wines for R130pp. Cheese and charcuterie boards are available from R95 per board.
The 2 hour Wine Library Experience costs R680 pp and includes a welcome drink, guided cellar tour, wine tasting and food pairing portions. Pre-booking essential.
Hazendal Restaurants
Hazendal offers a number of dining locations and experiences including the Babushka Deli, Russian Tea Room, seasonal Pivnushka Beer Garden and outdoor picnics.
The Babushka Deli pays homage to the babushka (‘grandmother’ in Russian): a much-loved symbol of hospitality, generosity and delicious cooking. Take a seat indoors or sit outside for lovely views across the lawns and secure toddlers’ playground.
Since 1638, tea drinking has been an integral part of Russia’s culture. In Hazendal’s elegant Avant-Garde Tea Room, we celebrate this time-honoured ritual with a Russian Tea Ceremony, highlighting the values of friendship and hospitality.
The seasonal Pivnushka Beer Garden is our contemporary South African expression of a traditional European beer garden. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Bottelary Hills, it’s the perfect destination for al fresco family-friendly dining.
Babushka Picnics can be enjoyed on the spacious shaded lawns, at one of our pre-booked garden picnic areas or alongside the lush wetlands. With streams to splash in and outdoor sculptures to explore, the picnics are ideal for families and friends.
Menus & Pricing
The Babushka Deli serves an extensive menu including staples such as Eggs Benedict, Waffle Stacks, salads, pastas, gourmet sandwiches, snacking boards and pastries. A kids’ menu is available, plus vegan and vegetarian options. Mains from R120pp.
At Hazendal’s Tea Room, the Russian Tea Ceremony centres around a steaming samovar (a traditional Russian tea urn), plus delicious Russian sweet and savoury delights. Priced from R395pp. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available.
The Pivnushka Beer Garden dishes up a mix of Russian and South African favourites, from chebureki-stuffed pastries and traditional jaffles to steaks, wood-fired pizzas and craft beers. A kids’ menu is also available. Main courses from R100pp.
The Babushka Picnic baskets come filled with delicious South African and Russian delicacies, including artisan breads, salads, meats and treats. There are special menus for children and vegetarians. Priced from R300 per adult and R140 per child.
Hazendal Tours & Activities
The Estate features an enormous range of amenities and attractions to explore.
Magical Wonderdal is Hazendal’s one of a kind, fully supervised kids ‘edutainment’ centre combining learning with play, magic and innovation, designed for kids aged 5-13. Each child journeys through the worlds of science and nature, whilst parents are free to explore the Estate. Please refer to www.wonderdal.co.za/ for more information on times and prices.
Elsewhere on the Estate, our toddler’s play area is the spot where little ones can climb and play to their heart’s content, while lush lawns are the perfect runaway for busy feet- all close to the Babushka Deli seating area.
For golf lovers, launching in mid 2021 is Hazendal’s 18-hole Par-3 golf course and driving range. This world-class facility will feature USGA conforming bent-green grass, various putting, chipping and pitching greens, a high-tech, two-tiered driving range and a junior and youth golf academy. Please see www.hazendal.co.za for more information and prices.
We also have a family-friendly Putting Park, with 27 holes of adventure golf designed for kids and adults alike alongside a new jungle gym. Check www.hazendal.co.za/kleine-hazen-putting-park/ for more information and prices.
For car lovers, don’t miss the Classic Car Collection next to Wonderdal, featuring a rotating mix of 8 vintage automobiles including Bentleys and Rolls Royce’s. Free entry all year round.
For lovers of art, The Marvol Gallery is housed in the historic old homestead. This unique exhibition space offering a glimpse into Russian art, culture and history, with rotating exhibitions, talks and events. Free entry.
With a multitude of showstopping spaces and venues of all sizes, Hazendal are hugely popular for weddings and events. From our subterranean Wine Library, breathtaking Glasshouse, floating pavilion overlooking the splendour of the Winelands and beautiful exclusive-use Manor House, we have an option to suit all celebrations. Contact us for more information.
Hazendal Accommodation
Dating back to 1790, Hazendal’s remarkable Cape Dutch Homestead has been sensitively restored and converted into an exclusive-use 5 bedroom sanctuary. Boasting period furniture over two floors, striking artworks and luxurious interior décor, the guesthouse can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Guests at The Homestead also enjoy dedicated butler service, curated art tours by the Marvol Gallery, complimentary access to the Wonderdal kids’ experience and a tasting experience in the Wine Lounge.
Pricing
Prices from R26,660 for the entire guesthouse, including breakfast for 10 guests, 24 hour butler service, access to Wonderdal, an art tour and wine tasting. Prices are based on low season (winter). Please refer to www.hazendal.co.za/homestead/ for the latest prices for other seasons.
When Lucy Visited
I’ve visited quite a few wine farms now, yet can honestly say Hazendal blew me away with its completely unique offering. Whether you’re travelling solo, are in a couple or group, are hosting a wedding or corporate event, Hazendal will have an experience designed with you in mind – and what’s more, they are constantly evolving. I just love their ethos!
So What Makes Hazendal Stand Out?
The vast array of activities and facilities on offer, for starters. The current Russian owners purchased Hazendal in 1994 and spent years meticulously redeveloping it before reopening in 2018. This included removing and replanting vines, restoring the 18th and 19th Century Cape Dutch buildings back to their original splendour and building new state of the art leisure and educational facilities.
From the magical kids’ education centre Wonderdal, to their brand new world class driving range and golf course, elegant Russian High Tea service, classic car displays, glossy interiors and spectacular wedding venues, they have ambitiously reimagined Hazendal to be a destination brimming with both heritage and contemporary style, yet proud to be a little quirky too.
So What About The Farm Itself?
Although part of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Hazendal is located just beyond the borders of Cape Town’s northern suburbs, making it an easy day trip from either the city centre (30 mins) or Stellenbosch (20 mins). This area, known as Bottelary Hills, is rich with wine and farming history; expect pretty rolling farmland scenery and distant mountains rather than towering peaks.
Most of the estate is centred around a grassy lawn area (or ‘werf’), off which you’ll find the magnificent 5 Bed Cape Dutch Homestead (now available as luxury exclusive-use accommodation), the Babushka Deli and toddler play area, Pivnushka Beer Garden, Tea Room, Wine Lounge, Marvol Art Gallery, Glasshouse Wedding & Dining Venue plus the Instagram-worthy Wedding Pavilion, which seemingly floats on water. This grassy area is also popular for picnics.
Within a 2 minute walk you’ll also find Wonderdal, the kids’ educational facility; the Classic Car glass showroom; snack food truck; or head a further 3-4 minutes walk and you’ll find the Golf Course, Driving Range, Putting Park and kids’ jungle gym. It’s quite easy to walk around as it’s relatively flat.
What Is There To Do ?
Firstly there are several ‘free’ activities at Hazendal which all guests can enjoy. Wander around the grounds, visit the rotating Classic Car collection and admire the artworks on display at the Russian-inspired Marvol Gallery. If there is no one is in residence, take a peek inside the spectacular 19th Century Homestead which has been lovingly restored, complete with beautiful period features and luxury fittings. This boasts 5 bedrooms and a butler and would be perfect for a family getaway or wedding party.
For kids there is a toddlers play area next to the Deli, or for older kids there is a jungle gym by the child-friendly Putting Park (putting costs between R60-R80pp). The big draw however is Wonderdal, a ‘one of a kind, fully supervised edutainment centre combining learning with play, magic and innovation – allowing children aged 5-13 to journey through the worlds of science and nature’. My step sons (aged 4 & 10) haven’t been yet as I’m waiting for the youngest to turn 5, but it’s a popular spot for parents to safely drop their kids off, for 2 supervised hours whilst they relax elsewhere on the estate. Expect bright lights, things to feel, buttons to press and activities galore. Check www.wonderdal.co.za/ for the latest entrance fees as they often run specials.
For golfers, Hazendal have just opened a brand new 18 Hole Par 3 Golf Course, Driving Range and Golf Academy, with state of the art technology suitable for both novices and the more experienced. I won’t lie, I’m not a golfer so won’t embarrass myself here by showcasing my complete lack of knowledge, but my husband is a golfer and he was seriously impressed!
What Food Options Are There?
Several – and although many have a Russian influence, there are plenty of familiar options across the extensive menus including items for kids, vegetarians, vegans and gluten-intolerant guests.
The Babushka Deli is modern and welcoming, with plenty of indoor and outdoor covered seating best suited to groups or families with kids, who can run freely on the adjacent lawns or toddler play area. The Deli is also where you can pick up one of Hazendal’s popular picnics. I saw several groups picnicking on bean bags on the lawns right up until late afternoon, which looked so relaxing.
There’s also the outdoor shaded Pivnuskha Beer Garden, open during the warmer months. As this is in a more enclosed space, it can get hot, so more ideal for adults with a fun pub vibe and sometimes, live DJs. Hazendal’s Food Truck offers a small selection of quick bites on the go, or you can now also enjoy a great value set lunch menu in the spectacular Glass House. This striking space has both air con and heating, making it a fantastic year-round venue designed to ‘bring the outside, in’. Hugely popular for weddings and I can see why.
The incredible Russian Tea Lounge is eye wateringly grand, with ornate, opulent details everywhere you look. I was hosted for the Russian Tea Ceremony experience and loved it – my server explained the origins and traditional importance of communal tea drinking in Russian society, explaining each sweet and savoury ingredient in fascinating detail. A must try, for something different.
Finally, if you’re looking for a food and wine pairing experience, check out the Tours & Activites section below.
What About Wine Tasting?
With all this talk of tea, golf, kids and food, you might be forgiven for forgetting that this is a wine estate! Hazendal replanted all their vines during the refurbishment, so currently use a mix of locally sourced grapes and their own, for their two wine ranges. That said, they are hugely excited to ramp up production of their estate wines, as more of their new vines become ready for harvesting.
Wine tasting is centred around the warm and stylish Wine Lounge, which comes complete with a showstopping central fireplace, clever mood lighting, exposed brick, high ceilings, a piano, welcoming bar and an outside patio. Below ground they also have a beautiful Wine Library where they host their pre-booked food and wine pairing Sensory Experience, which comes complete with a cellar tour. There are also a number of stylish spaces for private hire.
I sat at the bar and my wine host, Caroline, was utterly brilliant. Really enthusiastic, personable and informative, and I loved that she quizzed me on my likes and dislikes, challenging me to try something I thought I didn’t like. As you can select any 3 wines from either their everyday Christoffel Hazenwinkel range or Premium Estate Range for R65pp (or 6 for R95), I opted for 3 of their premium estate whites. I have to say, hats off to the winemaker as the oaked Chardonnay – my least favourite white – was so delicate, perfectly fragrant with apricot, buttery and smooth – I left a complete Chardonnay convert!
What About Tours & Experiences?
I was invited to Hazendal to try their exclusive 2 hour food and wine pairing ‘Sensory Experience’. Wow. On arrival, you’re offered bubbly and introduced to your host in the Wine Lounge (or if free, the upper private room overlooking the wine lounge). You then enjoy a short tour where your host explains about the history of Hazendal, their future plans and of course their wine. Following a show around the pristine cellar, you descend into their stylish subterranean Wine Library for an afternoon of decadence.
In addition to the bubbly and cellar tour, the Sensory Experience includes 6 generous tastings of Hazendal’s premium wines, paired with 6 tapas style small plates, ingeniously housed in a glass tower inspired by the Babushka doll (where you have a layer inside a layer inside a layer). Expect sweet and savoury morsels perfectly paired with the sublime wines (my faves were the Chenin 2018, the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and the Syrah 2017). This isn’t a full lunch however it is an exciting journey around the culinary world, hosted almost one on one by expert staff where the attention to detail and service is paramount. I enjoyed every moment (even the ox tongue mini pie!) and would go again in a heartbeat. Priced from R680pp, available Tue to Sun and 24 hours notice is required.
In Summary
A fantastically innovative estate which really does offer something for everyone. Come for the afternoon to explore, dine and relax, lets the kids loose in Wonderdal, tee off on the golf course, host your next corporate event in style or splash out with the family and stay overnight in the incredible Homestead. What’s there not to like?
Top Tip!
Even though Hazendal has many drinking and dining venues, it can get busy – especially at weekends. Definitely plan and pre-book your experiences or better still, visit mid week when there may be specials on and fewer people.
