Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek

One of the loveliest old farms on the Western Cape, Boekenhoutskloof lies at the edge of the valley in Franschhoek. The name means ‘ravine of the Boekenhout’, a local tree that is famed for its furniture. Indeed, Boekenhoutskloof’s super-elegant, iconic labels depict some of the handsome old chairs which can still be seen in the old homestead, and represent the seven directors of whom chief winemaker and cellarmaster Marc Kent is one.

Although the estate was established in 1776, it was properly restored and its vineyards planted in 1993, with vines now consisting of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, grenache, semillon and viognier.

Marc Kent, a maverick spirit, has long been a pioneering figure in the South African wine industry; he was the first to put the syrah grape on the map with his now legendary 1997 vintage of Boekenhoutskloof Syrah. Under his quiet but determined leadership, Boekenhoutskloof has since become one of the leading names in South Africa, regularly winning awards for its wines. It has excelled in making not only fine wine but also overseeing the success of several well-respected brands, namely Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap.

Having recently invested in new land in the Swartland, Boekenhoutskloof is showing its increased commitment to this area of the Cape which has produced much of the fruit for its range of wines, few of which are in fact made from Franschhoek fruit. There is a lovely tasting room open to visitors, as is the old house at this beautiful property.