Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

On the shores of the Bot River Lagoon, where Walker Bay's cool maritime influence meets the ancient soils of the Overberg, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate occupies a 200-hectare property that is as much a conservation reserve as it is a winery. The estate takes its name from the Benguela Current -- the cold Atlantic stream that shapes the climate of South Africa's southern coast -- and that oceanic influence defines everything about the wines made here.

Benguela Cove was established by Penny Streeter OBE, a South African-born British entrepreneur whose business acumen has earned her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Streeter's vision was to create a world-class vineyard that produces exceptional wines while offering visitors an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Western Cape. The family also owns Leonardslee Gardens and Vineyards in England, and the swallow -- which migrates between the two continents -- has become the estate's symbol.

Cellar Master Johann Fourie, a Diners Club Winemaker of the Year recipient, has been producing Benguela Cove's wines since 2017. His speciality is cool-climate winemaking, and the estate's 70 hectares of vineyard -- planted across elevations facing the lagoon -- give him extraordinary raw material. The range spans three tiers: the accessible Lighthouse Collection, the core Estate wines, and the premium Vinography range. Highlights include the Collage red blend, the Estate Pinot Noir, the Vinography Chardonnay, and the Cuvee 58 Cap Classique sparkling wine. A Noble Late Harvest and the celebratory Joie de Vivre sparkling complete the portfolio.

The visitor experience at Benguela Cove is among the most extensive in the Cape. The Moody Lagoon restaurant and Blackbeard's Diner provide waterside dining. Wine experiences range from the Signature Estate Tasting at R220 to the Ultimate Benguela Cove Experience at R3,500, with options including cellar tours, cheese and wine pairings, chocolate pairings, oyster pairings, macaron and Cap Classique pairings, sabrage experiences, a wine masterclass, a library tasting, guided nature walks, and pontoon cruises on the lagoon aboard the Lady Bonnie.

Conservation is central to the estate's identity. Benguela Cove is a WWF Conservation Champion -- the top award for exceptional commitment to threatened habitat conservation. The property supports 1,880 floral species and over 100 bird species within the Cape Floral Kingdom. Partnerships with BirdLife South Africa and the Cape Leopard Trust, IPW-compliant farming, biological pest control, and citizen science biodiversity mapping through iNaturalist all reflect the estate's hannuwa philosophy -- an ancient San concept of gathering good fortune through living in sustainable harmony with the natural environment.

Pirate Adventure Golf, family-friendly activities, ParkRun on Saturdays, and luxury villa accommodation overlooking the lagoon round out a destination that manages to be both a serious winery and a place where families spend entire days.