Wine farms are great for wine tastings, and then there are wine farms like L’Avenir Wine Estate that really elevate your experience and creates a destination that ticks all the boxes in a tranquil atmosphere.
Proudly South African with a touch of French flair, L’Avenir means “the future” in French and is located just outside of Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands at the foothills of the beautiful Simonsberg mountain range.
The estate captivates you with beautiful views of the mountains and vineyards together with award winning wines for tasting, 4 star luxury accommodation and true South African hospitality at its best. You can’t help but fall in love with the serenity and beauty of L’Avenir.
Wine Cellar
Head over to their chic cellar room with neatly stacked barrels and cutting-edge winemaking equipment.
Accolades and award-winning wines line the walls and in the center of the room is a gorgeously crafted table inlaid with brass plaques that are engraved with the history of the farm. A gorgeous light fixture completes the setting. This space is ideal for VIP tastings, private gatherings, and business events.
The History
L’Avenir’s rich history dates back to the late 1600s when the estate was one of the very first sites identified for grape growing by the Cape’s earliest European settlers.
Previously known as Weltevrede, the estate was renamed L’Avenir in 1992 by Mark Wiehe a Mauritian businessman who left a career of trading sugar in London to purchase the farm. This was the start of specialisation of this unique boutique winery. Wiehe appointed former pharmacist Francois Naude as winemaker and the estate swiftly gained recognition for its distinctive Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. In 2005 L’Avenir was acquired by the owner of the prestigious Chablis property Laroche Chablisien Michel Laroche.
In 2007, under the mentorship of Naudé, current winemaker Dirk Coetzee joined the farm after completing his degree in Viticulture & Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. The young maverick was instrumental in shifting the focus to L’Avenir’s top performing single vineyards – resulting in the now famous L’Avenir Single Block range. In 2012, the Laroche and JeanJean families combined forces to create Advini. This marked the start of a new era for L’Avenir, as it joined a family of some of the most acclaimed and awarded wines in the world.
The Tasting Room
Opt for a wine tasting outdoors and admire the beautiful panoramic views overlooking the dams and the old vine Chenin Blanc vineyard or choose the comfort of the fireplace indoors with a glass of Pinotage as they are renowned for their amazing Pinotage after all!
A selection of wine tasting and food pairing options are available. Choose between the classic Provenance Tasting and the exclusive Single Block Experience and enjoy it with a platter or canapés for an ultimate wine experience. The canapés option will excite the palate and is absolutely delicious. Did I mention smoked crocodile carpaccio is one of the options?! It is not as daunting as it sounds, it is actually quite delicious, pairs brilliantly with their Chenin Blanc and is definitely worth the try.
L’Avenir Country Lodge
The 4-star luxury bed & breakfast is an 11 suite accommodation with a communal lounge room, a spacious deck whilst enjoying breakfast overlooking a shaded rim-flow pool.
Visit my Swirl Travel page for the full article: https://aswirltravel.co.za/lavenir-country-lodge-home-away-from-home/
Categories: L’Avenir Wine Estate
