Silverthorn Farm
Besides my own bubbly, Scholtz Landing ‒ produced with David van Niekerk of High Constantia fame ‒ Silverthorn MCCs have remained some of my favourite South African Cap Classiques over the years.
There is something truly special about a tasting hosted by John and Karen Loubser beneath the trees, overlooking the river’s gentle flow. It is far more than a Breede River wine tasting; it is an immersive journey of storytelling, where each bottle reveals the narrative of its creation, from vineyard to glass.
We began with The River Dragon, a 100% Colombar, followed by The Green Man, crafted entirely from Chardonnay, and then The Genie, a 100% Shiraz. Each wine carries its own personality, brought to life through the Loubser’s passion and attention to detail.
And then, my enduring favourite, The Jewel Box. A beautifully composed blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir. It is dry, rich, and full-bodied, with a soft, toasty creaminess. Layers of complexity unfold on the palate, revealing elegant notes of roasted almonds and marzipan, making for a truly memorable finish to this Silverthorn MCC.
Booking is required for the MCC tasting.
Dog Star Manor
Dog Star Manor, situated on the beautiful Silverthorn Farm, home to the renowned Silverthorn Wines in the picturesque Breede River Valley, offers a truly tranquil wine farm stay.
This Breede River luxury escape is surrounded by sweeping vineyards and rolling mountains, the manor’s thoughtfully designed structures blend comfort, charm and quiet luxury. From here, guests can look out across the serene plunge pool toward the gently winding Breede River, where the stillness of the valley and the beauty of the natural setting create a deep sense of calm.
The varied birdlife adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature, while the wide-open skies and vineyards remind visitors that they are in one of the Cape’s most enchanting wine regions.
Lozärn Wines
A beautiful beginning to our exploration of Bonnievale led us to Lozärn Wines, where the incredibly passionate Salomé Buys-Vermeulen has carved out a reputation for her remarkable work with the Carménère varietal. She masterfully showcases this expressive grape in both her vibrant rosé and a compelling red blend, each offering a distinctive glimpse into its character.
While her South African interpretation of her Carménère is undeniably fascinating, my personal favourites were the elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and the beautifully structured Cabernet Franc — wines that balance refinement with depth, leaving a lasting impression long after the final sip.
Weltevrede Wine Estate
From there, we made our way to the magnificent Weltevrede Wine Estate for a Cap Classique tasting before lunch. The flight highlighted four of their sparkling expressions, of which I tasted three, each crisp, vibrant, and undeniably celebratory in character.
At Weltevrede Wine Estate, we lingered a little longer for lunch at Kapokbos, the estate’s charming on-site restaurant, which has just been named a star nominee for the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Its name is inspired by the fragrant herb kapokbos (Snow Bush or wild rosemary), grounding the dining experience firmly in its surroundings and celebrating the indigenous character of Bonnievale.
Kapokbos
At the helm of Kapokbos is husband-and-wife team Juan Fourie and Samantha Morris-Fourie, whose shared passion and creativity shape every aspect of the dining experience. Their menu is best described as boere-kos reimagined through a contemporary lens. The fresh, seasonal oysters are an absolute must.
Closing Reflections
As the afternoon light softens over the rolling vineyards, it becomes clear that the Bonnievale wine valley is not simply a destination – it is an experience rooted in authenticity and a stunning example for South African wine tourism.
From the passionate winemaking at Lozarn Wines to the celebratory sparkle of Cap Classique at Silverthorn Wines and Weltevrede Wine Estate, each stop reveals a deep respect for land, craft and community. The journey continues at Kapokbos, where heartfelt, heritage-driven cuisine reflects the spirit of the valley.
Bonnievale unfolds quietly, without pretence, rewarding those who take the time to explore it sip by sip, course by course. The Bonnievale wine valley invites you to slow down and, in doing so, leaves a lasting impression long after you have departed.