Hazendal Wine Estate has a history that goes back for over three centuries to 1699 when the first vines were planted. Throughout the years, the farm has gone through many changes, including owners and architecture and at one point was at risk of falling into an irreversible state of disrepair. Taken over by Dr Mark Voloshin and Leo Schumacher in 1994, Hazendal Wine Estate has been going through an extensive restoration process – bringing it back to its former glory and preserving an integral part of South African history.

THE SMALLER CHANGES

Hazendal Wine Estate was built in the traditional Cape Dutch style and the Manor House of this period is still standing today. You can still see the original walls of the kraal which was used in days gone by as a stopover for the oxen. Today it provides an additional unique venue space, fully equipped with mobile kitchen, bar, stage, eating and dancing area. Unfortunately, many of its historical features were not so lucky - for example the original heavy wood and brass studded front door simply disappeared at some point and had to be replaced in the 20th century. The fashions and fads that have sprung up throughout the years have dictated changes in the style and architecture of Hazendal Wine Estate and a tour around the farm is a veritable lesson in historical design trends. The addition of the veranda that now surrounds the Manor House came many years after it was originally built and the invention of corrugated iron replaced the original thatch roof. Side gables were cropped as they became less fashionable and small casements made way for large sash windows as these came into style.

A UNIQUE WINELANDS RESTAURANT

One of the biggest and most notable changes to Hazendal Wine Estate today is the new use for the original wine cellar. Now a roaring open fireplace and lounge area welcomes guests to this winelands restaurant and winetasting area. The lounge area is ideal for a quiet drink before dinner or a coffee afterwards and the intimate restaurant looks out on the new state of the art cellar. The painted ceiling chronicles Hazendal's rich heritage. There are two adjoining courtyards for alfresco dining and wine tasting which provide a truly beautiful space. This winelands restaurant offers a menu, which includes a delicate taste of Russia as well as superb Cape cuisine. The owners and their team's sensitive redesign of the wine cellar into a premium winelands restaurant has breathed new life into the farm while still preserving its important history.

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