Bloemendal Wine Estate: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

Cassy van Eeden

Established in 1702, Bloemendal is one of the largest wine farms in the Durbanville Valley, which stretches across two mountains in Cape Town.

It’s described as a boutique wine farm and spans 239 hectares, with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Boland mountain range, the Atlantic Ocean, and the City basin.

Bloemendal produces award-winning wines and, although they specialise in Sauvignon Blanc, they also have a large variety of other options to taste and buy.

If you’re looking for a wine farm experience that offers activities for every age, including ones that are child-friendly, Bloemendal is a must-visit.

We explored Bloemendal wine estate for the day and experienced some of the activities they had available.

Keep reading to find out what we saw, ate, and sipped.

The Bloemendal Wine Estate Experience

We spent a summer day out and about at this historic gem, enjoying a visit to their tasting room, eating food cooked to perfection, and exploring the Bloemendal Trail Park.

💡 The Two Parts of Bloemendal

There are two parts of the Bloemendal wine estate for you to explore.

Just off Contermanskloof is a family-friendly restaurant called Bon Amis with a play area, a mountain bike route, and a wine-tasting room.

Alternatively, you can take a six-minute drive from the main wine estate to the top of Kanonberg to visit the 360° Bloemendal restaurant, spa, and tasting room.

What to expect

✔️ The perfect day out with friends and family

✔️ Cycling trails and a pump track

✔️ Both casual and high-end options for dining

✔️ Unique wine pairings you won’t find elsewhere

This image shows a biker enjoying the trails on the estate. By: D Koen
This image shows one of the buildings on the estate, featuring a row of trees and shaded tables to enjoy a glass of wine. By: D Koen
This image shows outdoor seating on bright green lawns with a Cape Dutch-style building in the background. By: D Koen
This image shows a set table next to a glass window with a view. By: D. Koen

We recommend

🍷 Indulging in the fudge-and-wine pairing

🐟 Ordering the mouth-watering salmon at the Skye Lounge

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Letting your children delight in the play area at Bon Amis

This image shows the wine tasting area and seating options on the estate. By: D Koen
This image shows a woman enjoying on of the delicious dishes on offer at Bloemendal. By: D Koen
This image shows a close-up of the fudge and wine pairing that is a local favorite at Bloemendal. By: D Koen
This image shows rows of wooden barrels where the wine is aged to perfection. Each barrel is inscribed with BLOEMENDAL. By: D Koen

If I had to sum it up…

Whether you’re in the mood for a meal in an elegant setting, a trip to the spa, or a day out with the family, Bloemendal has it all. 

It’s your one-stop wine farm with something for everyone. It’s also a great place to start exploring the Durbanville wine route.

💡 Visiting Information

Bloemendal is situated in Durbanville, a part of the northern suburbs of Cape Town. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the Cape Town CBD and around 45 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport.

Address:

M13 Tygerburg Road

Durbanville, South Africa

Contact details:

+27 (0) 21 976 2682

admin@bloemendalestate.co.za

Opening hours:

  • Bloemendal Wine Estate:Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00, and Sundays from 11:00 to 15:00
  • 360° Bloemendal: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, and Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 to 22:00
  • Bloemendal Trail Park:Open 8:00 to 17:00 daily

 

Bookings:

Visit the Bloemendal website to make a booking.

First Impressions

When we arrived at the wine estate, I felt a little overwhelmed with the sheer size of the farm as well as how many activities there were to choose from.

However, the relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly environment quickly won me over.

This image shows the Bloemendal grounds and vineyards, with paths for visitors to explore the farm. By: D Koen
This image shows the view from Bloemendal, where visitors can even see the ocean. By: D Koen

The staff are all very friendly and accommodating. They made us feel welcome throughout our experience at the wine estate.

We started our day with an intimate wine tasting at the tasting room, followed by a meal at the 360° Bloemendal restaurant, which offers views of the entire city.

This image shows tables in front of a large window in the estate's tasting room. Table Mountain can be seen in the distance. By: D Koen

Our Wine Experience

Upon entering the tasting room, I immediately noticed its thoughtfully-designed layout. Even though you’re sitting indoors, you can still enjoy the scenery outside while you sip.

We opted for their fudge-and-wine tasting, which included three wines and three different types of fudge:

🍬🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon with the espresso gold fudge—my favourite pairing

🍬🍷 Sauvignon Blanc with marula gold fudge

🍬🍷 Merlot Rosé with Turkish delight fudge

This image shows the set-up of the wine and fudge pairing. By: D Koen
This image shows a woman preparing to enjoy a glass of wine during the tasting. By: D Koen

The fudge is produced in a small coastal town called Knysna, which is situated along the Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

All the wines were great on their own, but I could really appreciate the subtleties of the fudge when paired with the selected wine.

This image shows a close-up of the fudge offered during one of the wine tastings. By: D Koen
This image shows a close-up of the fudge and wine pairing that is a local favorite at Bloemendal. By: D Koen
This image shows the three wines used for the fudge and wine pairing. By: D Koen
This image shows a woman enjoying a glass of white wine. By: D Koen

After the tasting, I purchased a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon, an easy-to-enjoy red wine priced at just R165 ($9) per bottle.

Our waitress was warm, friendly and very knowledgeable about the wines we tried. 

I also liked that the staff gave us time and space to enjoy the tasting while providing us with plenty of information about each wine and the farm’s history.

The experience takes about an hour and a half to two hours, so be sure to set aside a good amount of time to enjoy the tasting at a leisurely pace.

Other wine-tasting options

The other wine-tasting options offered at Bloemendal include:

  • Biltong and wine:Catering to red wine lovers, this tasting experience promises a harmonious fusion of rich, robust red wines with the savoury indulgence of expertly-paired Biltong.
  • Gourmet chocolate and wine pairing: This tasting features both red and white wine curated to enhance the unique notes of each type of chocolate. 

Hungry, Anyone? What We Ate (and What We’ll Go Back For)

Here’s what you need to know about dining at Bloemendal wine estate and 360° Bloemendal:

The Skye Lounge Restaurant 

This restaurant sits at the top of a hill overlooking the whole of Cape Town. They offer a wide selection of seasonal dishes showcasing the local produce. They also have a Sunday lunch buffet and special holiday offerings.

💡 Visiting Information:

Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 09:00 to 22:00

Perfect for:Anyone looking for a wide variety of meals that reference South African culture

Bookings: Make a reservation on the Skye Lounge website

At the restaurant, I ordered the salmon and veggies, which was served with mashed potato. The combination of the fresh and smoky flavours of the fish, along with the flavourful sides, is something I’ll definitely go back to experience again.

This image shows a plated meal of salmon on top of some greens. By: D Koen
This image shows a man drizzling kewpie mayo on a platter of sushi. By: D Koen

Whether you’re a meat eater, sushi lover, or pizza fanatic, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds at Skye Lounge.

The main meals and drinks are very well-priced compared to other wine farms and Cape Town in general.

This image shows the menu of the Skye Lounge restaurant at Bloemendal. By: D Koen

We had a bottle of Bloemendal’s Sauvignon Blanc with our meal. which was slightly too fruity for my personal preference, it complemented the salmon well. It would make a great gift for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of a well-crafted white wine.

Bon Amis

If you’re looking for a child-friendly restaurant with a more laid-back atmosphere, Bon Amis is a good choice.

💡 Visiting Information:

Opening hours:Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 17:00, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 to 22:00, and Sundays from 9:00 to 18:00

Perfect for: Families with children and foodies looking to experience authentic South African dishes

Bookings: Make a booking on the Bon Amis website

Their specialities include pizza and sushi, paired with the best wines to complement these dishes.

For the Kids

The Bon Amis restaurant has a play area for children, and there are several other locations on the farm for kids to explore outdoors. 

This image shows a slide and swings set up for kids on the estate. By: D Koen
This image shows an outdoor seating area, with shaded wooden tables and a large lawn for kids to play on. By: D Koen
This image shows a wooden play area available for children visiting the estate. By: D Koen
This image shows a colorful play area under the trees for children to utilize. By: D Koen

There’s also seating near this area for parents to keep an eye on their little ones. The play areas offer plenty of shade for warmer days.

A Cyclist’s Paradise

Bloemendal has cycling trails and a pump track surrounding the estate for biking enthusiasts and runners to explore. These are connected to the broader Durbanville cycling routes. 

This image shows a trail bike on a gravel surface. By: D Koen
This image shows a sign that indicates the location of the Bloemendal biking trail park. By: D Koen
This image shows the map of various cycling, running, and walking routes on the estate. By: D Koen
This image shows a bike attached to a red iron frame, used to decorate the trail park's entrance. By: D Koen

Where the tracks end on the farm, there’s a lovely cafe and bar called the 360° Trail Social Café, with a deck and outdoor seating area where you can relax and refuel after your adventure.

Everything Else You Need to Know about Bloemendal Wine Estate

In addition to its restaurants and tasting room, Bloemendal wine estate is also home to self-catering and guest accommodation, live music at the Rosé Garden, and venues for weddings, conferences, and special events. 

There’s also a spa on the estate called Touch By Africa, which offers a variety of treatments to guests.

This image shows a sign indicating the way to The Rose Garden, which is the estate’s on-site spa. It’s surrounded by lush ivy. By: D Koen
This image shows a section of the Rose Garden Spa called the Pamper Room and Store. Provided outdoor seating can also be seen. By: D Koen

📜 History

If you indulge in one of the farm’s wine pairings, you’ll learn plenty about the history of the estate. However, here’s what you need to know beforehand.

Bloemendal wine estate was acquired in the late 19th century by the great-grandfather of the present owner and vintner, Jackie Coetzee.

Originally, the farm supplied fresh produce to the Dutch East India Company ships as they made their way to the Spice Islands.

However, the area has now become renowned for its high-quality grapes that grow in the unique microclimate that’s perfectly suited to noble cultivars.

🍷 Their wines

Bloemendal’s award-winning range of wines is made and bottled on the estate. 

They offer both standard and premium ranges, consisting of everything from their Noble Late Harvest 2020, with its rich bouquet, to their Waterlily Sauvignon Blanc, with its succulent mouth feel.

This image shows the three wines used for the fudge and wine pairing. By: D Koen
This image shows two glasses of wine in the Bloemendal restaurant. By: D Koen
This image shows the white wine being poured before the wine and fudge pairing started. By: D Koen
This image shows a number of wine bottles available for purchase stacked in rows on a shelf. By: D Koen

The estate has been ranked as a Third Growth Estate by British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin.

👉 The last sip

Bloemendal is a versatile wine estate that offers a variety of activities, so you’ll definitely find something to enjoy on a day out on the farm. 

You can also choose between casual dining at Bon Amis or a high-end experience at 360° Bloemendal. 

If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, their wine cellar is the perfect spot to unwind while sipping on some of South Africa’s finest wines.

Uncork the Finest Wines of South Africa

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About EpicEscapesSA

EpicEscapesSA was founded by a team of passionate South Africans who want to share all that our beautiful country has to offer.

We pride ourselves on our adventurous and explorative spirit. We want to make your South African journey memorable, offering safe and unforgettable travel experiences.

Join us as we share the wonders of South Africa and create lasting memories.

Bloemendal’s Explorer: Rachele Button

This image shows the site explorer.

Rachele is a Cape Town local with a passion for Cap Classique and the finer things in life.

Favourite Wine

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

White: Sauvignon Blanc

Ideal wine farm:

Somewhere with an elegant atmosphere and good food

Our Writer: Cassy van Eeden

This image shows the writer of this post.

Cassy is a senior copywriter based in Cape Town. She loves visiting local wine farms, especially those on the Durbanville wine route.

Favourite Wine:

Anything semi-sweet

Ideal wine farm:

One with plenty of space to kick back and relax

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