Knorhoek Wine Farm

Knorhoek traces its origins to 1694, making it one of the oldest farms in the Stellenbosch region. The name means 'the place where lions growl', a reference to the Cape lions that once roamed the Simonsberg foothills. After passing through several hands in its early years, the farm came to Martin Melck, a German soldier whose daughter inherited the property in the eighteenth century. Her son, Jan Andries Beyers, established the farm in its present form and gave it the Knorhoek name.

Beyers' great-granddaughter married into the Van Niekerk family, and for generations the Van Niekerks shaped Knorhoek into a serious wine-producing operation. Hannes van Niekerk won the prestigious Smuts Trophy for his wines, and his sons continued the tradition as fifth-generation owners. The first wines bottled under the Knorhoek label appeared in 1997, and from that maiden vintage the estate began collecting awards — including a double Gold at the Veritas Wine Awards and high ratings in the John Platter SA Wine Guide.

In 2019, the Gaiduk family acquired Knorhoek, bringing fresh investment while honouring the farm's historical roots. Schalk Opperman, who also serves as winemaker for the Gaiduk family's Quoin Rock estate, leads the winemaking programme. His focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc has earned 4.5 stars from Platter's, while the popular Two Cubs range offers approachable red and white blends for everyday drinking.

The 200-hectare estate sprawls along Knorhoek Road off the R44, in the Banghoek Valley between the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains. It is a property of exceptional natural beauty — lawns, gardens, ponds, and mountain views in every direction. The estate offers both bed-and-breakfast and self-catering accommodation in individually styled rooms, making it a destination for overnight stays.

Knorhoek is a sought-after wedding and events venue, with function spaces set among the gardens and vineyards. The estate is family-friendly, with jungle gyms, walking trails, cycling routes, and ample grounds for children to explore. A deli and farm shop serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch alongside estate wines, platters, picnics, and pizza.

The Banghoek Valley itself is one of the most picturesque sub-regions of Stellenbosch, flanked by the dramatic peaks of the Simonsberg to the north and the Helderberg to the south. The convergence of these mountain ranges creates a unique mesoclimate — warm days tempered by cool mountain breezes — that produces wines of both power and finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon from these slopes develops the deep colour and firm tannin structure that has made Stellenbosch famous, while Chenin Blanc retains a freshness and minerality that reflects the altitude and airflow of the valley.

Three centuries of winemaking, five families, and a valley where lions once growled — Knorhoek carries its history lightly, offering visitors a warm, generous Stellenbosch experience that balances heritage with hospitality.