Quoin Rock: The Knorhoek Valley Wine Farm that Ticks All the Boxes

Hidden behind canopies of trees in the Knorhoek Valley, Quoin Rock Wine Estate wows visitors with its sheer elegance. Under the custodianship of the Gaiduk family, who undertook its restoration in 2012, this historic estate has been transformed into a state-of-the-art destination that’s as visually stimulating as it is relaxing. Framed by the Simonsberg mountains and 200 hectares of vineyards, Quoin Rock is no ordinary Winelands destination. Here are our top five reasons for visiting it.

The wine: A taste of terroir

The name Quoin Rock found its inspiration from Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where Quoin Point is the second most southerly point. Some of the wines are named after early trading ships that sank while trying to navigate Quoin Point, which also happens to be where the estate’s conservation farm, Boskloof, is located.

While architecture, art and ambience are key to the Quoin Rock offering, its superior wines – well-balanced and complex – elevate the overall guest experience. These wines make their way from Quoin Rock Estate to Table Bay Harbour in Cape Town and then onto international ports around the world, following a historic journey for wines produced in the area nearly 500 years ago.

During your wine-tasting – in the illustrious tasting room or on the view-drenched terrace – you’ll get to experience wines from the Quoin Rock (in Stellenbosch) and Namysto (in Elim) ranges. Feeling peckish? Order a local charcuterie or cheese platter to accompany your wine.

Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Cost R250 (5 wines)
Contact 021 888 4740, info@quoinrock.co.za
Book Now

The accommodation: Nap in the lap of luxury

At 400 metres above sea level, the Manor House is the highest residential property in the Western Cape; no wonder it boasts unparalleled views of False Bay, Cape Point, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Built in 1999 in the Cape Dutch style, it’s a tranquil and luxurious escape, offering complete privacy and ultimate comfort for up to 14 people (individual guests or couples can be accommodated upon request).

With five en-suite king bedrooms, beautifully manicured private gardens, private dining and living spaces and a fully equipped kitchen, the home is ideally suited to a wedding party, honeymooners or families looking for a luxurious, private and relaxing holiday experience.
Cost R175 000 per night (exclusive use only).
Contact ​​021 888 4740, events@quoinrock.co.za
Enquire Now

The events: Venue with vineyard views

Boasting one of the most magnificent settings in this neck of the woods, there’s no question Quoin Rock’s venue was built for events. From weddings and private parties to corporate events and launches, guests will experience an event to remember.

The Venue, Quoin Rock’s wedding space, is an architectural marvel surrounded by majestic valley views and decorated with luxurious finishes. A double-volume façade provides a blank steel-and-glass canvas that allows nature to shine, with a floating cigar lounge for sundowners.

Good to know The Venue can accommodate up to 150 guests (seated) and 300 (for cocktail events), and offers the following:

• Helipad
• air conditioning
• catering by chef Jack Coetzee
• cocktail and lounge furniture for indoor and outdoor use
• Pedrali mobile bar
• cutlery and crockery for 150 guests
• additional conference equipment, furniture and wedding venue décor on request
• event management included with venue hire

Contact ​​021 888 4740, info@quoinrock.co.za
Enquire Now

Gåte Restaurant

Quoin Rock’s vast vineyard-dotted terrain is a fitting canvas for Gåte, its fine-dining restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, the bold, clean-lined architecture creates a striking impression and also maximises the enchanting mountain and vineyard views. Pared-back furnishings and a muted interior palette further conspire to allow the resplendent terrain to shine.

The kitchen is helmed by Jack Coetzee (formerly Urbanologi in Johannesburg) who joined the Gåte team in October 2020, with a mandate to take diners on a voyage of discovery (as his predecessors had). Drawing on his Zimbabwean roots and focusing on the ingredients available in the farm’s immediate vicinity, Jack has put his own stamp on the farm-to-table concept. He explains: “We conceive and curate each one according to the compatibility of the ingredients, and then make sure it has the wow factor! We’ve called it ‘micro terroir cuisine’ – it’s designed to excite.”

Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 888 4750, gate@quoinrock.co.za
Book through DinePlan

Gourmet picnics for all seasons

Out of sight from the popular restaurant, beautifully manicured gardens dotted with mystical sculptures give way to eight custom-built, sheltered picnic pods – the perfect setting to enjoy a gourmet picnic with friends and family, no matter the season.
What’s more, to make the experience even more private, you will be given a walkie talkie on arrival that you can use to communicate with your waiter throughout your visit. Simply press a button, and they’ll be on hand to service your every whim.

Inside each hamper, guests can expect a freshly baked baguette with artisanal butter; basil and pesto-cream dip; foie gras; fresh snoek pâté and a local cheese and charcuterie selection. The basket also includes a butternut, baby mixed leaves and feta salad; beetroot, baby mixed leaves and goat’s cheese salad; a fresh poké bowl; smoked salmon wrap; roasted lamb on Moroccan couscous; as well as pina colada and coconut panna cotta. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for, too.

Good to know The hampers are entirely plastic-free, and all ingredients have been sustainably sourced. You will also need to pay a deposit to secure your booking.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Cost R400 (adults)
R180 (children 3 – 12 years)
Contact ​​021 888 4740, winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Book Now

Where to find it Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.