Visit the beautiful Doolhof Estate as it treads new paths to offer an exceptional wine and hospitality journey that allows you to embrace life’s greatest pleasures.
Travelling up a meandering gravel road framed by arched branches and sun-speckled grassy slopes, you will enter a hidden valley in the mountains near Wellington and eventually arrive at the beautiful Doolhof Estate on the border of the Limietberg Nature Reserve.
Nestled in a valley where night stars replace the city’s bright lights, Doolhof is the ultimate place to unwind.
Whether you are seeking a personal respite, a romantic escape or simply some quality time with friends and family, Doolhof Estate offers a five-star experience where you can enjoy life in all its beauty.
Distinctly Doolhof
The property, one of the Cape’s oldest farms, was discovered in 1707 following a winding path to its very end into the heart of the Bovlei Valley. Inspired by the sense of wonder created by the rolling dips and slopes of the surrounding majestic mountains, they called the farm Doolhof, a Dutch word meaning ‘labyrinth’.
For more than three centuries the farm has been lovingly cared for, and in 1996 its destiny took a new turn: the first vines were planted after careful consideration of terroir. The Doolhof Estate’s position at the heart of expansive mountains – Limietberg, over which the Bainskloof pass traverses, and Groenberg – offers the perfect opportunity to produce true mountain-grown wines from top-quality varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and the flagship Malbec. The unique terroir provides the ideal conditions for world-class wine of heritage, quality and value.
No wonder Doolhof is the only wine estate in South Africa to produce wines from the Wine of Origin Limietberg and was one of the first Cape farms to work with the red grape variety Malbec. Today, the winery is one of the country’s most awarded producers of Malbec, with their Single Vineyard and Bloedklip Malbec receiving top accolades on the local and international awards circuit.
The Doolhof winemaking philosophy is built solidly on the belief that people are merely custodians of the land. About half of the estate is still covered by the treasured Cape Floral Kingdom, and completely uncultivated land is home to precious animal life like the Cape leopard. Not only is Doolhof actively involved in conservation, it also works hard to apply only sustainable environmentally-friendly farming practices.
Discover Doolhof
Located a short 75-minute drive from Cape Town and a stone’s throw from Paarl and Wellington, the estate treads new paths to offer an exceptional wine and hospitality journey where one can recharge by embracing life’s greatest pleasures.
The Doolhof Estate consists of an immersive newly renovated tasting room and restaurant named Mila at Doolhof, boutique accommodation at Grand Dédale, glamping at AfriCamps, hectares of splendid mountain terrain where trails wind through fynbos and proteas, a flowing river running through rustic farmland, and occasional animal sightings that are yours to discover and enjoy.
Doolhof has an exquisite experience for everyone. By day, take a leisurely walk on the de- marcated vineyard and river trails, picnic by the riverside or wine and dine in the elegant restaurant, all before heading home – or settling in for the night at their boutique accommodation offerings surrounded by indigenous mountain flora and fauna. More adventurous guests can tackle the two hiking trails starting on the farm, up the Groenberg mountain, or the Doolhof Eerste Tol hike to the top of Bainskloof pass. No matter where you may be on life’s journey or whichever way you’d like to go, Doolhof invites you to immerse yourself in a world-class experience of tranquillity to refresh your body, mind and soul.
For more information, call 021 864 2805.