A roaring stay at a 5th generation wine farm

Knorhoek Guest House offers country-style luxury

During the 1700s, Knorhoek Estate was referred to as ‘de plaats waar de leeuwen knorren’ – the place where the lions roar. Today, the Van Niekerk family is keen to share the rich family history and heritage with guests, and they also offer excellent wine, honest food paired with genuine hospitality.

Knorhoek Guest House, situated on a boutique winery in a corner of the Simonsberg Mountains, offers a luxury winelands stay, ideal for a family holiday, a country-style honeymoon escape or a break away with colleagues.

“Everything you see has been here forever,” says Carol van Nierkerk, “Our guesthouse is a home away from home, offering a tranquil escape from everyday life.”

The charmingly converted cluster of old farm buildings is nestled under ancient oaks flanked by vineyards. Eight rooms include a family and honeymoon suite, situated in what were the original stables, blacksmith room and a coach house.

Guests staying in the en suite rooms can expect to lie on crisp white linen, while looking up at brass chandeliers, or enjoy serene surroundings from their own private stoep or balcony. There are informal wine tastings and tours through the Knorhoek cellar, fly-fishing on the farm with a vineyard hike, or a nostalgic lunch at the estate’s Towerbosch restaurant.

After a day touring the surrounding wine farms or teeing off at some of the Cape’s finest golf estates, guests can relax by the pool sipping crisp white wines, or if the stay is during winter, lounge by the fireplace and drink smooth reds instead.

“Our staff takes pride in giving each guest a sense of ownership and ‘Knorhoek family’ hospitality,” shares Carol, “Our in-house cook, Liesel Prins, was born on the farm, as were her mother and grandmother. Having worked in the vineyards, she has joined our kitchen where she cooks all guesthouse dinners. She loves what she is doing.”

The rates range from R420 (per person, per night) for a room to R2000 (per night) at a luxury, self-catering cottage, based on four people sharing. All guest house rates include breakfast.

The bubbly bunch at Knorhoek have also produced a sparkling wine.Keep up to date with the latest holiday news in our news section, follow us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.