At the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains you will find the magnificent 320 year-old estate, Vrede en Lust. The name “Vrede en Lust” is derived from the Dutch meaning “Peace and Eagerness”. The Buys family bought the estate in 1996 and it has been nothing short of a great success as one of South Africa’s most loved estates. They produce gorgeous wines by winemaker Susan Erasmus, who won the award for “Woman Winemaker of the Year” in 2007. They have also installed solar panels between the vineyards which have reduced their carbon footprint by 60%, and generate enough power to run the winery.
We were lucky enough to be invited to spend the weekend at the Vrede en Lust Estate during the 2016 Harvest Festival. We were overwhelmed with warm greetings, splendid accommodation, food that was to die for, breathtaking views and an all round wonderful experience from the time we set foot on the estate until we left.
Here’s a little peek at what to expect when you visit the estate.
The festivities kicked off on Saturday morning where guests were invited to pick grapes in the beautiful vineyards. We then moved to the gardens where crates of grapes were set out, ready for stomping. Getting your feet all sticky and dirty is a really fun experience and makes you feel as if you’re part of the wonderful wine-making process.
Once we were all freshened up we gathered at the festival area, which was beautifully set up with chinese lanterns, large decorated tables and various seating areas on the lush lawns. Guests were served federweisser, which is fermented grape juice served chilled, paired with zwiebelkuchen (an onion tart which is a German delicacy) and mosbolletjies. We enjoyed the rest of the festival at our own leisure with activities such as fruit and wine pairing, life-sized chess, jenga, croquet, or simply chilling on the lawns with a bottle of delicious Vrede en Lust wine and soaking up the surroundings. The Buys family definitely made everyone feel at home by mixing and mingling with the guests. The little ones had so much fun in the dedicated children’s entertainment area, which featured a jumping castle, swimming pool and face painting station. It was a beautiful day filled with good wine, delicious food and good company.
Be sure to save the date for the next Harvest Festival to be held on 11 March 2017.
There are a variety of accommodation options available. These include the newly built, luxurious Vineyard suites, the Jonkmanshuis cottages and the Manor House.
There are 10 brand new Vineyard suites surrounded by vineyards. These suites have either a shower and bath or just a shower. They also offer aircon, a flat screen satellite TV and a mini fridge.
Jonkmanshuis boasts 3 deluxe cottages, 2 en suite double bedrooms, a living room with a cosy fireplace and a flat screen satellite TV along with a fridge and microwave.
The Manor House comprises 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and a large lounge with a fireplace, a dining area, a home theatre and a farmhouse kitchen with another fireplace. It sleeps 10 people.
All units have access to the pool house, swimming pool and boma area. Breakfast is included in the rates for all the suites. Mountain bikes are also available to all guests on request.
If you wish to spoil yourself with a getaway at Vrede en Lust, click here.
Lust Bistro not only serves a scrumptious breakfast and delicious bistro lunches, but they also pride themselves on making the best authentic artisan breads. We got to meet chef Jean Pierre Smith himself and just by the way he explains the process of making bread, it is evident that he is passionate about baking the best around. When you visit make sure to order their freshly baked croissants, which are rated as the best in the Winelands. They’re so popular they were sold out before breakfast!
Opening times:
Monday – Saturday: 07:30 to 17:00
Sundays & Public Holidays: 08:00 to 16:00
Wine-tasting at Vrede en Lust is a must. You can relax on the patio overlooking the vineyards with the Groot Drakenstein mountains in the background or you can take it easy on the leather couches in the tasting rooms. Cellar tours can be arranged by appointment. Bread and cheese platters, made by Lust Bistro & Bakery, are available as well.
Wine-tasting times: 10:00 – 17:00
Cost: from R25 (depending on which tasting you decide on)
Contact number: 021 874 1611
Vrede en Lust Estate is the ideal location for those tying the knot and their staff will be sure to cater to your every need. With the Simonsberg Mountains as your backdrop, the historic Cape Dutch architecture as your décor and their impeccable gardens and hospitality to round it all off, the fairytale wedding of your dreams will become a reality. For more information on their wedding packages please click here.
Whether you are looking for a place to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary, year-end function or even a business conference, Vrede en Lust has great facilities for all these events. There are some fantastic packages on offer. To find out more, please click here.
Visiting Vrede en Lust is an absolutely unforgettable experience, whether it be for a wine-tasting, a function or a weekend getaway. We urge you to put it to the test yourself as we are sure that we will most definitely be going back for more.
Thank you to Tanja Fourie and the Buys family for spoiling us and making the weekend one to remember, and the rest of the media for being such good company.
Photo credit: Pieter Wolhüter, Vrede en Lust Marketing and Perthenia Thomas
