What a wonderful stay we had at South Hill Vineyards member of Cape Country Routes, a luxurious wine farm with lush gardens and expansive lawns. Farm life and luxury are embodied in this one of a kind boutique wine farm owned by the King Family. You just have to say the name and I immediately want to go back there!

While travelling on the N2 highway south of Cape Town en-route to Hermanus, a turn onto the Valley Road will take you to the beautiful South Hill Vineyards. It is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town situated on the south eastern side of the amazing Elgin Valley, well known for its beautiful mountain views.

The accommodation offers that luxurious farm-stay “experience” we all want to have. Guests are spoilt for choice with either the Guest House and it’s six luxurious en-suite rooms; or the one-bedroom Pumphouse Honeymoon Cottage and it’s stunning views overlooking a farm dam,  the mountains and vineyards.

The Guest House has an open-plan living area with DSTV, comfortable lounge seating, fireplace and French doors that open onto lawns – perfect for chill time, children and pets to play around. Those that love to take a splash in the water can do so in the swimming pool, while those looking to play some outdoor games can enjoy the boule court. It really is the perfect place to relax with family and friends.

The latest addition to South Hill’s accommodation offering is the House Boat “Stokies Ark” set on the banks of the farm’s largest dam and perfect for families that long for a water-based holiday. It can sleep up to eight people and comes fully equipped for a self-catering stay and like the other two dwellings, it doesn’t fall short when it comes to luxury – boasting chic “Scandi” style, with plenty of amenities including kayaks and an on-shore fire pit.

We stayed at the Pumphouse Honeymoon Cottage with beautiful décor that screams luxury. It is as special as the experience it creates, waking up to the view of the dam, the mountains and the Pinot vineyards is out of this world! It definitely gives the ambience of peace and quiet that we so desperately long for when busy with everyday city life.

The restaurant offers breakfast and country style lunches, with suppers on request. The principle of “local is lekker” is really practiced here as all ingredients used in the restaurant are sourced from local suppliers and the farm’s own herb and vegetable garden. The friendly and welcoming staff really made us feel at home and gave us an out of this world experience.

South Hill Vineyards is all about “cool taste experiences”’ and this is evident in the top of the range wines produced from their own pristine vineyards, well known for the cool climate grapes. We had a fabulous wine tasting with a wide range of wines to choose from, including the South Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2020, South Hill Syrah 2018 and Kevin King “BBK” Malbec 2016, to name a few. The sommelier doesn’t just give you the wine to taste, you are taken through the history of the wine from how it is produced, to how it got it’s name – all of which made our tasting experience so much more fun and meaningful.

Art lovers will be thrilled to see the variety of art work on show from some well-established and also a few upcoming South African artists. The Art Gallery shares the space with the restaurant, a perfect combo to dine and become inspired.

South Hill Vineyards really is the perfect destination for some chill time, a romantic getaway, wedding celebration, family get together, work conference or holidays with friends. It will definitely give that much needed feeling of peace and quiet and the luxurious experience of farm living – an experience we should all take time to have.

W: South Hill Vineyards
W: Cape Country Routes

Written by Tshepo Makupu for Luxuria Lifestyle South Africa