Nestled in the Bottelary hills of the Western Cape, Hazendal Wine Estate has been owned by the Voloshin family since 1994. It is this combination of the family’s Russian heritage and the rich history of the Cape farm that they now call home, that informed the evolution of Hazendal as one of the leading luxury destinations in the Cape Winelands. Its beautiful architecture, a combination of Russian and South African elements, makes this wine estate one of a kind.
Hazendal traces its history back to 1699, when the German settler Christoffel Hazenwinkel was granted 60ha of land in the area. Seeking to make his mark on the landscape, and admiring the abundance of wild hares (hazen in Dutch) in the valley, he named it Hazendal. Remarkably, across three centuries of history and multiple owners, the name was unchanged when Russian entrepreneur Dr Mark Voloshin bought the farm in 1994.
Hazendal now offers visitors a treasure trove of exciting experiences… But some of the stand-outs include the Russian Tea Garden and Ceremony (which was what we visited for) and the incredible Wonderdal, an imagination-inspiring, educational wonderland for children.
BABUSHKA DELI
An “urban farmhouse kitchen” is probably the best way to describe Babushka Deli.
Here you can enjoy light meals with Russian influence in a bistro-style setting. If you want to take something home, have a look at their variety of wines, jams and olive oils.
Sit down for a delicious feast paired with the estate’s wines and local craft drinks or simply grab a freshly-baked pastry and go. There is even a special menu for your tots. If you want an alfresco experience, opt for a Babushka picnic basket on the sprawling lawns.
THE WINE TASTING LOUNGE
Hazendal was one of the first farms to make wine in the region, so it is fitting that their Wine Tasting Lounge is located in the estate’s original cellar. While the cellar dates back to 1870, this space has been completely reimagined and is blending traditional and contemporary design to create the perfect environment for swirling, tasting and talking wine.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL RANGE
Named after the founding father of Hazendal, the a Christoffel Hazenwinkel Range serves as an introduction to the ethos of quality and meticulous attention to detail that is prevalent throughout this historic estate. The winemaker and Cellar Master ensures that every drop of wine is made with the utmost care in the state-of-the-art 100 tonne wine cellar.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE WHITE BLEND 2017
Lemon green in colour. A very friendly and accessible wine with ample notes of green apple, Cape gooseberry and grapefruit are supported by subtle hints of freshly cut grass.
A medium-bodied wine with a refreshing acidity. The fine and creamy texture ensures an enduring and clean finish, while green melon and subtle grapefruit follow through on the palate.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE WHITE BLEND 2018
Very light in colour with light hues of green, feint nose filled with citrus, flat palate, lingering slightly dry finish. Palate medium bodied, prominent acidity, medium finish. Enjoyable summer wine.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE BLANC DE NOIR 2017
Elegant red berry fruit aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, strawberries and red cherry, accompanied by floral tones of rose petal and citrus blossom.
The palate is delicate with a medium acidity. The fresh red berries follow through on the palate, with a distinctive Turkish delight finish.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE BLANC DE NOIR 2019
Hues of delicate blush pink colour, with subtle aromas of crushed strawberries, ripe nectarines and flower petals. The palate finishes with a freshness of pomegranates and a stylish silkiness.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE RED BLEND 2017
The predominance of the Pinotage in this blend boasts with rich plum, blackcurrant and black cherry notes, while the Shiraz component enhances the blend with spicy notes of black pepper, clove and nutmeg.
The tannins on the palate are fine and textured. Dark berry fruit dance around on the palate, with a smooth and delectable vanilla coffee finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon is added for balance and structure.
CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL – THE RED BLEND 2018
The nose is complex, with ample aromas of plum, blackcurrant, bramble and black cherry. Subtle hints of cloves are accompanied by black pepper, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Dark berries with a hint of spice envelope the palate, together with a rich and delectable rounded finish.
HAZENDAL RANGE
The Hazendal Range of wines is synonymous with quality, consistency and elegance. Minimalist intervention is applied in the cellar to allow the Bottelary terrior to shine in every bottle.
HAZENDAL – SEMILLON / SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017
The predominance of the Sémillon in this blend opens with floral notes – honeysuckle, citrus blossom and violets, while elegant fruity notes of white pear and green apple follow. The Sauvignon Blanc component enhances the blend with aromas of freshly cut grass, grapefruit, guava and Cape Gooseberry.
White pear and citrus notes follow through on the palate. Fresh and zesty acidity with a textured and a creamy finish.
HAZENDAL – CHENIN BLANC 2017
Prominent bursts of apricot and lemon, accompanied by spicy notes of ginger and nutmeg, followed by buttery toast and whiffs of macadamia nut.
A rich and ripe style of Chenin Blanc with hints of apricot, nectarine and lemon. The finish is long and elegant, with a delicate and creamy texture.
HAZENDAL – CHARDONNAY 2017
The nose is complex, yet subtle and refined. Nuances of green apple, Cape gooseberry and apricot are supported by subtle hints of fennel, almond and honey.
A medium-bodied wine with a refreshing acidity. The fine and creamy texture ensures an enduring and clean finish, while the apricot and almond follow through on the palate.
HAZENDAL – CHARDONNAY 2018
Light golden yellow. Nose of citrus, orange zest, butterscotch, oak spice. Palate medium to full with beautiful palate feel, great balance and good complexity, long classic Chardonnay finish. The wine was youthful and fresh on the palate with a subtle oaking to show off the fruit flavours.
HAZENDAL – SCARLET SAILS MCC 2014
Pale straw in colour. Prominent notes of toasted brioche welcome the nose to the glass, followed by baked green apple and citrus notes. The voyage on the nose culminates with subtle hints of almond and violets.
The mouthfeel is full and luxurious, with a fine mousse on the palate. Bursts of grapefruit and buttery brioche entice the taste buds, while the clean acidity ensures a long and elegant finish.
HAZENDAL – ROUSSANNE 2018
This intriguing wine greets the nose with floral notes of violet and citrus blossom, supported by fruity bursts of gooseberry and Turkish apricots. Hints of beeswax and brioche envelope the nose.
The palate is delicate, creamy and refined. The fruit components of the wine are pronounced upon the first sip, yet develop and evolve into a creamy melange of beeswax and brioche.
This vineyard is situated next to the Bergriver at the entrance to the Franschhoek Wine Valley. The alluvial soils with large white rocks are characteristic of the Rhône Valley in France where the grape originates from. The terroir lends itself to creating ideal conditions for slow ripening and flavour preservation, resulting in a delicate but complex wine.
HAZENDAL – PINOTAGE 2017
Prominent red fruit aromas of plum and cherry welcome the nose, while seductive smoky notes and dark truffle entice the senses.
This medium bodied wine is well structured and the flavours are measured. The fruit and oak components are married seamlessly. Luscious red fruit follows on the palate, with an enduring finish.
HAZENDAL – SYRAH 2017
Juicy dark berry aromas of blueberry & mulberry are met with spicy notes of white pepper and white truffle. The nose is rich and meaty with subtle notes of smoked Parma ham
The palate is fruit forward with lingering spice complementing the elegant textured finish.
HAZENDAL – PINOT NOIR 2017
The palate is met with the red berry notes that follow through from the nose, while a distinct smoky flavour is savoured. The tannins are fine and textured, and the flavours have a wonderful lingering presence.
HAZENDAL – CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017
Rich and deep aromas of Bramble, Black currant, black cherry & capsicum meet the nose with subtle hints of sticky toffee. The palate is lush with the black fruit flavours following through and rounding off with embellishments of coffee and star anise. Textured finish with silky tannins.
RUSSIAN TEA CEREMONY
Why not book a Russian Tea Ceremony and experience the taste of Russia? At Hazendal they celebrate the Russian culture with a ceremony centered around a steaming samovar (a traditional Russian tea urn), a black tea brew that is especially sourced for Hazendal and some delicious Russian sweet and savoury delights.
Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is where friends and family come together to relax, connect, indulge, explore and celebrate the moment. Food aside, there’s plenty to see on the estate. It’s a world-class destination that definitely ticks all the boxes for young and old.
Categories: Hazendal Wine Estate
Thank you for your post. I found it very informative since I want to visit the estate but, I don’t really understand the nitty gritty or wine. I just drink it ha ha now I will know what I will want to buy.
Pleasure and glad you liked the post. I tried to capture the wine farm enough for people to want to go and visit. As for the wine, one doesn’t always have to understand it, but the beauty of it is to appreciate the wine for what it is and to find that wine that suits your palate and that makes it worthwhile.