Kunjani Villas & Wines

Kunjani is the Zulu greeting for 'Hi, how are you?' and that warmth runs through every detail of this Stellenbosch estate. Founded by Paul Barth and Pia Watermeyer, a German-South African couple who met through a shared love of wine, Kunjani sits in the Bottelary Hills of the Devon Valley -- a sub-region renowned for producing exceptional red wines.

Paul grew up in Germany's Rheingau region surrounded by Riesling vineyards but dreamed of owning a winery in South Africa. When he and Pia found the farm on Blumberg Drive in Devonvale, they saw the potential to create something entirely their own: a contemporary estate that blended cross-continental influences with a deep sense of place. They opened in November 2017 and quickly established Kunjani as one of Stellenbosch's most stylish newcomers.

The wines are crafted by Carmen Stevens, who made history in 1995 as the first black winemaker to graduate from Elsenburg Agricultural College near Stellenbosch. Stevens brings decades of experience spanning Distell, Naked Wines, Amani and a decade representing South African brands in California. Under her guidance, the Kunjani portfolio of six wines -- Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Rose, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon -- draws the best from the Devon Valley's clay-rich soils and moderate climate. The Shiraz, in particular, has earned recognition as a Gold Medalist at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.

The dining experience at Kunjani has evolved since opening. Originally home to a restaurant led by Head Chef Lamek Mnisi, known for dishes such as Asian Braised Crispy Pork Belly and Mushroom Ravioli, the estate transitioned in November 2025, converting the former tasting room and restaurant space into luxury self-catering villas. Kunjani now comprises five distinct villas: Shiraz Villa and Stolen Chicken Villa (each accommodating four guests), and Merlot Villa, Cabernet Villa and The Garden Cottage (each hosting two). Every villa features a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, fridge, coffee machine, dryer and washing machine.

Wine tasting remains central to the Kunjani experience. Visitors can explore all six wines in the portfolio for R120 per person, available daily between 10:00 and 16:00. The estate's contemporary design, with clean lines and vineyard views, provides a refined but relaxed backdrop for tasting.

Kunjani is a place where two cultures meet -- German precision and South African soul -- and the result is an estate that feels both international and deeply rooted in the Stellenbosch winelands.