A member of Cape Country Routes, Weltevrede Wine Estate is arguably one of the oldest South African wine brands still owned and run by the same family – the Jonker family. The Jonker family has been farming on the estate since 1912. The Weltevrede label was established as a wine brand in the 1940s and registered with its official trademark in February 1950. The oldest vines of the estate, planted in 1926, have produced fruit treasured by five generations of the Jonker family.

Today, the farm is in the hands of Philip Jonker, the fourth-generation winemaker and Chardonnay specialist. “Weltevrede is Chardonnay,” he says. “Looking back over 100 years of Weltevrede, we’ve realised that rather than being a history of innovation, it’s actually been a constant exploration to discover which singular cultivar is best suited for the Weltevrede terroir.”

Inspired by community and family Philip believes this is what makes the Weltevrede experience so unique and welcoming. “Family is where we began. Our wines are crafted across generations, and here at Weltevrede you can know that you are loved – today and every other day. We look forward to welcoming you to our home.”

The estate recently took a major step in its evolution with an extensive revamp and re-development of its visitor experiences. Showing a new face with these exciting elevations, which include a new kids play area, restaurant and fabulous tours, Weltevrede is a place for the whole family to gather, sip and indulge overlooking incredible valley views or in an atmospheric underground space.

Its new offerings have been recognised by the Great Wine Capitals’ Best of Wine Tourism Awards which rewards the wineries in each of its member cities for their excellence in several categories. Weltevrede won the Architecture & Landscape Award and the Innovative Wine Tourism Experience categories, making the estate the overall winner this year.

So, what’s in store for visitors? We highly recommend embarking on one of their excellent tours, which takes you underground into the cellars, a world steeped in the history of Chardonnay, with old books, artworks, memorabilia, and winding corridors.

Captivated by Chardonnay: Taste the new collection of Weltevrede Chardonnays, learn about the history of wine globally and understand the terroir of the Robertson Valley

Captivated by Cap Classique Tour: Lean about Cap Classique and Champagne before tasting the latest vintages of Philip Jonker Brut

Create Your Own: Disgorge, dosage, cork and label your own bottle of Cap Classique to take home

Kapokbos Restaurant is beautifully situated on the Estate, overlooking the newly landscaped rose-and-vine garden. It’s named after an indigenous herb found in the veld surrounding the estate, and the restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team, Chefs Juan Fourie and Samantha Morris-Fourie. With a fine dining and private chef background, the powerhouse couple have a unique perspective on wining and dining. The pair consider a key ingredient to the success of Kapokbos lies in believing in the ethos and the concept of Weltevrede Wine Estate. “Sam and I are excited about the direction the Estate is heading and really thrilled to be joining the Weltevrede Wine Estate family,” says Juan. “After years of being nomads, we have now firmly rooted ourselves here and we’ve devised menus that present contemporary country-style cuisine incorporating local tastes, culture and creativity.”

Already gaining popularity among the local community in the Robertson Wine Valley, Kapokbos is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12h00 – 16h00, Friday and Saturday for dinner from 18h00 to 22h00.

Dishes on the seasonal menu include the delicious traditional South African Skaapstertjie with curried pickle onions, Frikkadel with tomato smoor and brandy sultanas, and their mouthwatering Amarula ice-cream sandwiches with honeycomb. Wine-tasting snacks are also available.