A winter escape with old-world charm and Winelands magic
A short drive from the picturesque town of Franschhoek, in the Simondium area of the Franschhoek Valley, lies Vrede en Lust. Established as a working wine farm in 1688, the family-owned estate beautifully blends old and new. A contemporary wine-tasting centre looks out over the vines, mountains and a ribbon of solar panels, while the historic manor house is now an exclusive-use villa.
There are luxury suites tucked among formal gardens and vines, two-bedroom heritage Jonkmanshuis cottages, as well as conference and event facilities, a magical wedding venue, and two onsite restaurants.
With a spread of formal and informal gardens, a swimming pool (for hotel guests only), lawns, towering oaks and enticing trails leading into the vine-clad lower slopes of the Simonsberg, it’s a place to explore, wind down and relax.
Winter accommodation packages
Winter has its own magic on the farm: the vines are resting, the mountains stand crisp against clear blue skies and the dramatic cloudscapes drift aimlessly… Inside, roaring fires burn in the tasting room and the farm cottages for cosy fireside evenings with a glass of wine and a good book, or convivial board-game sessions.
There are two tempting winter accommodation specials:
The Wine & Dine Winter Escape
Soak up the atmosphere and the breathtaking scenery of the farm and relax in deep unhurried bliss. Stroll over to the tasting room for a premium wine-tasting, and linger over a three-course dinner at Lust Bistro or Savoye before heading back to your cosy cottage for a nightcap by the fire, or to snuggle up with the heating on in a luxury Vineyard Suite, looking out at mountain views and starry skies.
This package includes one three-course dinner per stay, a wine-tasting, breakfast each morning and a bottle of premium wine.
Good to know Minimum two-night stay
Cost From R2 860 (per unit per night depending on date and accommodation choice)
Offer valid 1 May – 31 August 2025
The Wine Lover’s Getaway
Immerse yourself in the rich winemaking heritage of Vrede en Lust and enjoy an exclusive peek into what goes on behind the scenes with a curated wine tour designed for wine enthusiasts. As well as accommodation, this package includes a wine tour (with wine-tasting), a copy of the Vrede en Lust Coffee Table Book to take home, a bottle of premium wine and breakfast each morning.
Good to know Tours are available at 10am or 2pm and the time slot you prefer must be confirmed 48 hours before check in.
Cost From R2 960 (per unit per night depending on date and accommodation choice)
Offer valid 1 May – 31 August 2025
The lodgings
The estate offers three accommodation options: the historical self-catering Manor House that sleeps eight; three picturesque Jonkmanshuis Cottages, each sleeping four; and 10 Luxury Vineyard Suites that sleep two each.
Luxury Vineyard Suites
Surrounded by vineyards, with the spectacular Simonsberg mountain as the backdrop, these 10 sophisticated suites offer guests a modern stay with breathtaking countryside views.
Facilities:
- 10 suites with king-sized or twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom (five rooms have both a bath and a shower, and five have just a shower)
- private patio with vineyard and mountain views
- tea- and coffee-making facilities
- a safe
- small fridge
- smart TV with Netflix
- complimentary wi-fi
- air-conditioning
- hair dryer
- bath and swimming towels provided
Good to know The Vineyard suites are pet-friendly for small-breed dogs.
Cost From R2 985 per suite per night, includes breakfast (depending on season)
MAKE A RESERVATION
Jonkmanshuis Cottages
These three spacious cottages converted from the original farm buildings are perfect for a private, peaceful and picturesque countryside stay with oodles of charm.
Marguerite, Barbère & Jacques Cottages
- sleep four guests in two ensuite double bedrooms
- living room with a fireplace and smart TV with Netflix
- fridge and microwave oven
- access to a landscaped garden and shared pool
- air-conditioning
Good to know Breakfast and a complimentary wine tasting are included. Jacques is a pet-friendly unit. Barbère is ideal for a family with children.
Cost From R5 350 per unit per night, includes breakfast (depending on season)
MAKE A RESERVATION
While you’re there
- complimentary wine-tasting at Cellar Door Tasting Centre
- breakfast at Savoye
- lunch or dinner at Savoye (booking essential)
- Lust Bistro also offers breakfast, lunch and take-home baked goods, made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- scenic farm walks
- mountain-biking (three mountain bikes available free to guests)
- horse-riding or quad biking with Wine Valley Adventures on the farm trails
- in-room spa treatments (arrange in advance to avoid disappointment)
Then there’s the nearby town of Franschhoek – brimming with art galleries, top-notch eateries, outdoor activities and many other exciting things to do, as well as a host of neighbouring wine farms to visit on the Wine Tram.
Whether you’re after a weekend away with loved ones, or are simply seeking a scenic reprieve away from it all, Vrede en Lust might be just the place you’ve been looking for.
Distance from CT 1 hour
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes (small breeds welcome in certain rooms)
Cost Luxury Vineyard Suites: From R2 770 per suite per night
Jonkmanshuis Cottages: From R5 080 per unit per night (depending on season)
Manor House: From R25 520 per unit per night (depending on season)
Where to find it Vrede & Lust Estate, intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
