Rediscover country life at Knorhoek Estate

A family farm with an authentic tradition in the Stellenbosch Winelands

The name Knorhoek is somewhat dramatic. It is derived from the Dutch of the 1700s, who referred to this property of Dutch India East India employee Martin Melck as 'de plaats waar de leeuwen knorren' – the place where the lions roar. Melck gave the property to his daughter as a wedding gift and it has been in the Van Niekerk family ever since.

Knorhoek Wine Estate lies at the foot of the Simonsberg just outside Stellenbosch and is another well kept secret in the Cape Winelands. It is here where brothers Hansie and James Van Niekerk, along with their wives Ingrid and Carol, continue to build on their family winemaking tradition, spanning five generations.

Today I have the pleasure of meeting Hansie and Carol.

"What you see here is what people have worked for and achieved over time," says Hansie, "There is no huge industry behind us and we are not wealthy businessmen having a little wine farm on the side. This is our life," shares Hansie.

Knorhoek is real. Hansie’s sister-in-law Carol adds: "These are people who were born here, people that have a passion for the country life."

Long ago they used to farm with fruit and cattle at Knorhoek. Today the Van Niekerks dedicate their land solely to vines. Knorhoek is a working farm where you can experience the harmony and romance of a wine estate but also witness firsthand the process of winemaking and bottling. On windy days when the South Easter clears the sky you can see the Cape Town harbour from the high, elevated vineyards.

A time-honoured, traditional winemaking philosophy

Knorhoek’s old cellar was built in the early 1920s. Today they still make wine in open fermenters, while following a time-honoured, traditional winemaking philosophy. The estate’s flagship wine is the Pantère, a full-bodied red blend of Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, whilst the Knorhoek Chenin Blanc leads its repertoire of elegant white wines. The Chenin Blanc grapes are from 45 year old vines planted by Hansie’s father. It is not an overly fruity white, but surprisingly crisp and refreshing.

Since 1997 Knorhoek has been producing wines under their own label. Before that they used to sell their grapes to bigger farms and make their own non-labelled wines.

Knorhoek has two wine collections: the Knorhoek flagship wines and the popular Two Cubs range of playful, easy drinking wines. The Knorhoek wines are affordable, with prices ranging from R30 to R120 locally while 35% of the wines are exported.

Quite a few of their wines flaunt an award-sticker on the bottle although Hansie is not really fazed about winning accolades: "My philosophy is that one can build a brand from bottom up, but not the other way around. To us it is all about wine enjoyment. The subject of wine can be very stuffy and self-important and I am delighted to see that some people can still be unpretentious about treasuring the actual pleasures of wine drinking."

Meeting the Van Niekerks makes me realize how genuine and down to earth these people are. They work hard, they are honest. What you see is what you get.

Towerbosch Restaurant adds magical charm to Knorhoek

Hansie and Carol invite me for lunch at the estate’s new earth kitchen, Towerbosch, where grandma’s recipes come to life. We start off with some freshly baked farm bread with butter and homemade tomato jam. Yummy.

"We are going back to salt and pepper food. Here it’s all about a traditional feel," explains winemaker Hansie.

The name Towerbosch means 'enchanted forest'. The Van Niekerk family have tapped into their romantic surroundings to transform a ramshackle thatched roof lapa into a mystical white space reminiscent of an enchanting forest retreat.

Neil Stemmet from Koncept Design and Architecture used raw materials salvaged or hand-crafted on the farm in the renovations and decor, while Hansie’s wife Ingrid took an active interest in the completion of the interior. Antique tea cups hang from the ceiling while antique porcelain plates decorate the walls, creating a nostalgic, home-y feel.  A chandelier installation made of white painted farm twigs are draped with vintage treasures and family trinkets. The bright white detail against dense thatch weaves a spellbinding and strangely familiar touch throughout the restaurant.

"Everything here is recycled except for a few carpets," says Carol.

Chef Westley Müller and his life partner Carmen van der Merwe open their hearts and their kitchen to guests. A taste test of what is cooking on the stove is not unusual, depending on the mood and the pantry content on the day.

"Simple, slow cooked traditional family meals are served on big platters where everyone can help themselves to a selection of heritage fare at their own table. People enjoy it, because it’s the way their gran used to make food," shares Westley.

Carmen adds that it’s all about "creating a memorable meal, built on passion and the vision of the people who love the way they live and want to share it with you. Towerbosch takes you back to nostalgic, old school dining experiences of a lost era in South Africa."

There is no rushing of Karoo lamb shoulder or drenching of heavy sauces in the kitchen. No French terms, no fusion of any kind, no fuss. Only honest food cooked with the best local ingredients that leave the smallest carbon footprint.

On Sundays Towerbosch lights the fire for their Asado lunch which is especially popular with families and children. This al fresco open braai next to the pool, is typical of the laid-back Argentinean braai which starts with empanadas (filled pastries) followed by fresh breads and a myriad of succulent meat indulgences with delicious accompaniments.

The lamb I had was something I will never forget plus the most delicious traditional Smoorsnoek served with homemade onion pickle. Is there anything better than getting that loving feeling of home?

Knorhoek Guest House, country house style

Stepping out of Knorhoek’s cosy wine tasting room, an inviting guest house awaits under the trees. The Knorhoek Guest House features eight rooms, including a family and honeymoon suite, in what was originally the stables, blacksmith room and coach house on the farm.

Each room has a private stoep or balcony and is tastefully furnished with brass chandeliers and warm, polished terracotta tiles. The traditional, home-y style is apparent here too: antique plates on the walls and other elements like old photographs.  There are also two self-catering cottages with names like the Rose and Lavender - each of them have a braai area.

It’s the perfect getaway for travellers and jaded city dwellers in search of some solace. People who stay at the Knorhoek guesthouse love to walk the beautiful and peaceful trails through the vineyards. Fresh air and views that please the soul make this a fulfilling outing.

"Everything you see has been here forever," says Carol, who is showing us around. She points out a small cabinet that her parents bought after their wedding: "Our guest house is a home away from home, offering a tranquil escape from everyday life."

It’s a country house style, concludes Carol, "you must feel at home".

Opening hours

Towerbosch Restaurant: Open for lunch Wed to Sat 12:00 – 15:00, Mon and Tues closed. Also open for dinner on special request for private functions with a minimum of 15 guests.

Wine Tasting: Mon to Sun 10:00 – 17:00 (R15 for 5 wines, free of you buy a bottle of wine)

The Towerbosch restaurant is a beautiful wedding-venue. The peacocks that run around add an extra romance-factor. Although they kill Hansie’s sleep, they are awesome to look at.

By Antonia Heil

Cape Town has an endless array of wonderful things to do, from wildlife and ocean excursions to food and wine delights. For more Cape Town inspiration check our Things to do section.