Bon Courage Estate

On the banks of the Breede River in the Robertson Wine Valley, where the Langeberg mountains shelter limestone-rich soils from harsh weather, Bon Courage Estate has been home to the Bruwer family for nearly a century. The stately Cape Dutch homestead dates back to 1818, but the estate's winemaking chapter began in 1927 when the Bruwer family took ownership. Today, three generations later, father-and-son team Andre Bruwer (viticulturist) and Jacques Bruwer (winemaker) work together to produce a range spanning noble whites, classic reds, fortified dessert wines, and the estate's acclaimed Cap Classique sparkling wines.

Jacques Bruwer, born in 1966, grew up walking the vineyards with his father. After completing school in Robertson he studied winemaking at the prestigious Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch, returning to the family estate to craft wines that have earned recognition both locally and internationally. The Jacques Bruere range of Methode Cap Classique sparkling wines -- named after a French ancestor -- has become the estate's calling card, with the Brut Reserve, Blanc de Blancs, and Cuvee Rose Brut all earning consistent acclaim. The Inkara range represents the estate's premium red tier, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz bottlings aged in French oak.

Beyond the cellar, Bon Courage has become a destination in its own right. Cafe Maude, set under the shade of an old African pepper tree, serves French-inspired cuisine from breakfast through lunch -- a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Self-catering cottage accommodation overlooking the vineyards provides a base for exploring the Robertson valley. The estate offers guided cellar tours, private tutored tastings, and vineyard tours, while the tasting room itself is notably generous -- wine tasting is complimentary.

Bon Courage holds WIETA sustainability accreditation and is recognised by Wine of the World Farms as a heritage estate with award-winning wines. The property is family-friendly with a jungle gym for children, walking trails through the vineyards, fireplaces for cold winter days, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and surrounding mountains. Dogs are welcome on leads. With a 4.6-star Google rating from 275 reviews, Bon Courage represents Robertson winemaking at its most welcoming -- a place where three generations of passion meet the ancient limestone terroir of the Breede River Valley.