Situated high on the mountain slopes above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, is where you would find Journey’s End. A boutique winery and vineyard owned by the Gabb family, where the Helderberg mountain opens out towards the ocean and the landscape looks like a postcard from every angle.
From the moment you arrive, the view draws you in. A huge part of the farm has been left to regenerate, allowing fynbos and renosterveld to grow back. Of the 120 hectare property, only 40 hectares are planted to vines, giving nature space to breathe.
Sustainability and regenerative farming plays a big role. An extensive water catchment system channels throughout the farm, catching rainwater and funnelling it into the dams. This water nourishes the vineyards through drip irrigation, reducing water use and protecting precious resources. Birdlife is abundant, creating calm and unspoilt surroundings.
Journeys End is not just making wine, but help and support community and kids in the area. Community sustainability in the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village includes meals, a school and a local creche.
Seven varieties are planted across the estate such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. All facing the ocean to draw freshness from the sea breezes of False Bay.
We caught up with Marketing Manager, Thea van der Merwe, who drove us around the farm and sharing insights and stories along the way. We went all the way to the top and the view was unforgettable. The air was filled with the smell of fynbos, while gardens of indigenous plants burst with colour. The panoramic view of False Bay stretches endlessly, benefitting from the sea breezes they get great minerality and acidity in their wines.
The highlight was stopping at a beautifully transformed Tree House, converted into a luxurious accommodation amidst the natural beauty of the vineyards and surrounding landscape, with a deck overlooking landscape and ocean. Thea surprised us with an intimate wine tasting on the deck, making the experience truly memorable.
Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Named after the SB11 Weerstasie Kloon, this wine spent time on the lees for depth while preserving freshness and length. Notes of green apple, citrus and grapefruit are complemented by salty minerality and subtle hints of kiwifruit.
Haystack Chardonnay 2024
Named after the hay barrels used in the vineyards to enrich the soil, this Chardonnay spent 9 months on the lees. It shows richness and texture while remaining unwooded. Pure Chardonnay fruit shines through with crisp acidity, tropical notes and a soft creamy feel that lingers beautifully.
The Wild One Grenache Rosé 2023
This is summer in a glass. Inspired by the wild garden on the farm, this 100% Grenache rosé spent a short time on the skins and briefly in older barrels. Light pink in colour, it displays succulent strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavours with subtle rose petal undertones and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Back at the cellar, we explored the remainder of the wines, including the Varietal Series, designed to reflect the vineyards character. Each wine is numbered to guide the tasting order, offering bright, focused wines that reveal the essence of Journey’s End.
Chardonnay V1 2023
Matured in French oak, concrete eggs and clay amphorae, this wine balances tropical fruit and minerality with gentle complexity from subtle oak influences.
Destination 2023
After a challenging vintage in 2006 that yielded only one barrel, this wine marked a turning point for Journey’s End. Concentrated stone fruit, citrus, lemongrass and tropical notes are balanced by vibrant acidity with a creamy finish.
Merlot V2 2018
Matured for about 18 months in French oak, this Merlot offers cassis and blackcurrant aromas alongside gentle hints of vanilla and nutmeg. It is elegant, polished and beautifully structured.
Cabernet Franc V3 2022
14 months in second-fill French oak bring out ripe cherry, savoury olive and herbaceous aromas, rounded by soft cinnamon spice, creating a wine that is both complex and approachable.
Cape Doctor 2020
Named after the strong south-eastern wind that shapes the vineyards, this Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot offers concentrated dark berries, a creamy texture and soft refined tannins with a poised, lingering finish.
Journey’s End is a place where terroir, people and wine come together with a purpose. A deep commitment to sustainability shapes the farm, while meaningful involvement in the local community reflects the heart of the estate.
Visits are by appointment only, allowing for an unhurried and thoughtful experience. From the vineyards and surrounding landscape to the care shown for nature and community, Journey’s End is a place that feels deeply connected and warmly personal long after you leave.
Categories: Journey’s End Vineyards
