Merwenstein Farm

Merwenstein Fruit And Wine Farm

Selected by The Greenwood Guide to South Africa, 2nd edition

Text written by Simon Greenwood

�Merwenstein�, in the Breede River Valley, derives from the merging of Hugo�s and Heidi�s surnames (she was previously a Steiner) and this spirit of happy co-operation thrives throughout the farm. The two of them take it in turns to guide guests on walks and show them the various fruit- and wine-related processes. The farm produces grapes for wine-making, but the emphasis is on fruit for fruit�s sake, with apricots, plums galore, three varieties of peach and newly-planted persimmons. Hugo grew up on a neighbouring holding and has been farming at Merwenstein for over 20 years.

Guests stay in an annexe with a gigantic (100 square metres, according to my iffy stride pattern) glass-fronted living room looking out over the farm. It�s all tremendously light and airy and a great place for breakfast. Three comfortable bedrooms, combinations of pale walls and dark wall hangings, look into the garden, and for dinner you are encouraged to come up to the main farmhouse where you can learn more about Heidi�s work with the local communities. Foremost among her projects is �Lys Se Kombuis�, where a former farm worker welcomes visitors to her home and her speciality �vetkoek�. Delay that diet for a few more days.

Contact Details

Telephone: +27-(0)23 6162806
Facsimile: +27-(0)23 6162806

Email address:
merwenstein@lando.co.za