The search for good art and wine in the Cape has begun

This month we embark upon a journey in search of good art and wine touring destinations in The Western Cape. Our first destination is Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch is the second oldest, as well as the biggest wine route in South Africa. It is set amongst majestic mountains and well-manicured wine estates.   It has become a renowned contemporary art destinations, displaying the most desirable art collections in and around respective wine tasting farms.

With this in mind, we undertook a wine and art scene in Stellenbosch for a day.

Cavalli Stud and Wine Farm

Cavalli Stud & Wine Estate is a 40-minute drive from Cape Town and is set in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The estate was born out of the owner’s passion and admiration for horses. 

The name “i Cavalli” in Italian means “the horses”, and so it is only fitting that upon entering the estate, one is greeted by a bronze bold Black Beauty styled Stallion sculpture as one drives through the concrete clad gates.  

Wine Tasting and Art at Cavalli

Wine tasting is downstairs next to the contemporary art gallery, built much like a “Master Cellar”, with one whole room dedicated to a private wine and whiskey collection.

Once you venture into the Equus gallery, a real hidden gem below ground, you are treated to

• rotating exhibitions of visiting curators 
• permanent exhibitions of other notable works from the Cavalli Estate Private Collection. 

For lovers of the good art and wine, this is definitely the top notch place to be. 

Equus Gallery

Wine tour to Hidden Valley

Just over the road and neatly tucked under the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains in Stellenbosch, we visit Hidden Valley Wine Estate. Upon driving up the steep entrance, an art fragment in the form of a Bronze face, welcomes guest’s to the farm.  This piece forms part of a collective experience of hidden gems to be discovered on the farm.

Here our guest’s indulged in:

• premium Wine & Chocolate pairing
• panoramic views of Stellenbosch & the Cape Peninsula.
• a walk through the sculpture garden to admire the creation of Willie Botha’s work in the tranquility of this outdoor sculpture studio.

The experience here was unforgettable.

Entrance to Hidden Valley Wine Estate

Tokara

Situated on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, make your way up the steep and winding Helshoogte Pass towards Franschhoek, finally to arrive at Tokara Wine Estate.  Tokara with the neighboring farms offers vineyards with sweeping views of the Cape’s False Bay all the way to Table Mountain. 

Guests are treated to the following:

• a rewarding tasting experience of premium wines
• brandy and olive oils
• various pieces of art are found around the property
• incredible sculptures are seen throughout the gardens
• a gallery in the entrance hall of the estate. 

Tokara tree sculpture at the entrance of the wine tasting hall

 

vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.

 

Sculpture at Tokara

 

Delaire Graff

On the same scenic Simonsberg Mountain as Tokara, lies the Ultra-Premium Wine estate, Delaire Graff. The estate is an architectural masterpiece, combined with the spectacular floral gardens and towering sculptures that grace the estate’s landscape.

We often have the fortune of experiencing these enchanting art sculptures and innovative galleries close up. Most of the time with our jaw on the floor as we ponder over the most captivating collections.

The owner, Laurence Graff, is also an avid art collector.  Guests can view Vladimir Tretchikoff’s iconic Chinese Girl (displayed above) as well as other iconic paintings.  

‘cheetah standing’ – Dylan Lewis

Portrait of estate owner, Laurence Graff by Lionel Smith

“chinese girl” – Vladimir Tretchikoff

‘faith’ – Anton Smith

“jewel of the cape winelands”

Should you wish to venture on a wine and art tour of Stellenbosch, get in touch and let us know which of these estates are on the top of your list.

bookings@theconstantiawinetour.co.za