A road to nowhere… except a beautiful wine estate you won’t want to leave.
The single-track road winding through working vineyards that leads to Jordan Wine Estate promises adventure and escape, and at the end of the road that’s exactly what you find. A birdsong-serenaded, away-from-it-all oasis overlooking a willow-fringed dam, the family-owned farm is cupped in a natural amphitheatre of the Bottelary Hills, facing towards Stellenbosch. The gorgeous views and tranquil setting encourage lingering all day, so that brunch segues easily into wine-tasting, a fine-dining dinner into a luxurious stay.
Owned by the Jordan family since Ted Jordan restored the land and planted his first vines here in 1983, the estate’s unique terroir has given his son Gary a hugely varied palette to work with. On a vineyard tour in the safari-style Land Rover, we explored slopes facing every point of the compass, and cresting the top of the hill were surprised with stunning views back to Table Mountain over vineyards cascading down the west-facing slopes towards Cape Town, as a fish-eagle glided overhead between the farm dams.
Brunch to lunch
The Cellar Door is the place for relaxed farm food, from breakfast croissants with pasture-reared eggs and bacon, and excellent coffee, to butter chicken, pan-fried line-fish, platters, burgers and home-baked breads. Sit outdoors on the shaded deck overlooking the dam and the Stellenbosch valley, or cosy up indoors on rainy days.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Book through DinePlan
A taste of terroir
A dedicated wine-tasting pavilion just across from the deck is an equally gorgeous setting to soak up stories of the terroir, the vines and winemaking processes, as you taste the Estate and Reserve ranges. Or sample the exciting new heritage range, Timepiece, which celebrates the old vines of the estate originally planted by Ted.
Good to know Book a guided cellar tour before your tasting to delve deeper into the wine-making processes and explore the gravity-fed cellar, plus its new amphorae and concrete eggs.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Fine-dining with Marthinus Ferriera
Expect a culinary adventure at Jordan Restaurant, where chef Marthinus Ferriera has established his signature style of fine-dining, a gastronomic journey inspired by his childhood memories and years spent working abroad with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal. Indulge in a frequently changing 3-course à la carte menu or lavish 5-course tasting menu. In addition he’s opening a new courtyard tapas offering for those looking for a lighter evening meal over cocktails.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, lunch from 12pm
Friday + Saturday, dinner from 6.30pm
Good to know Extended opening between December and April: lunch daily; dinner Thursday – Saturday. A R250 per person deposit is required to secure your booking.
Book through DinePlan
Picnic perfection
Set among the reeds and willow trees around the dam, the 8 individual and secluded pods have to be some of the prettiest places to picnic in the Winelands. Set up with umbrellas, blankets, cushions and beautiful wicker hampers, the food offering from The Cellar Door is varied, beautifully presented, fresh and totally tasty. The space is yours for the afternoon, with waiters on hand to bring coffee and drinks right to your pod.
Good to know Book 48 hours ahead. Collect from 12.30pm. Picnics are available through winter too (weather permitting).
Contact 021 881 3441, reservations@jordanwines.com
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Explore on two wheels
Mountain-bikers will be itching to explore the farm on their own wheels. The farm trails give you epic views over False Bay, Table Bay and Stellenbosch, and connect with the Bottelary Mountain Bike network that traverses the Bottelary Hills Conservancy, rich in fauna and flora, promising an exhilarating ride.
Cost Day permits: R60 from The Cellar Door
Suite treats
Jordan’s nature-soaked relaxation is hard to tear yourself away from, and makes an appealing base for a Winelands stay or a weekend getaway. The 13 Luxury Suites at Jordan are hidden among indigenous gardens looking out over one of the oldest vineyards of the farm. Each is individually designed and decorated (most with wood-burning fireplaces) to make a beautifully serene retreat where the background noise is the birdsong. A brand-new swimming pool and deck will be added for the new season.
The lodgings
- King-size bed with Egyptian cotton linen
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath (most suites)
- Separate lounge in larger suites
- Nespresso coffee machine and mini fridge
- Air conditioning
- Indoor fireplace (most suites)
- Smart TV with Chromecast functionality
- Verandah with outdoor furniture
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4
Cost From R3 600 per suite per night. Includes breakfast at The Cellar Door, a wine-tasting, and a R1 000 hospitality credit towards food and/or wine on the farm.
Good to know A stunning renovation of Ted’s villa high on the slopes above the main estate will be completed for bookings in 2024. It’s planned as a five-bedroom self-catering villa with entertainment areas, pool and access to all the farm facilities.
MAKE A RESERVATION
Events and private functions
Hire the Protea Lawn for a private picnic function or wedding, the Merlot room for a harvest table lunch or take over the The Jordan Restaurant for Marthinus Ferriera to create a fabulous private lunch. There are a number of packages; the farm is off the grid with no loadshedding, and the lawn doubles as a helicopter landing pad.
Contact 021 881 3441, events@jordanwines.com
The birdsong, views, mountain-fresh water, vineyards and stories at Jordan have a way of getting under your skin and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Good to know Jordan is just 25 minutes from Cape Town airport and 45 minutes from the city centre.
Contact 021 881 3441, reservations@jordanwines.com
Where to find it Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
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