Meerlust Wine Estate

Meerlust -- meaning 'pleasure of the sea' -- takes its name from the manor house that sits on a granite outcrop near False Bay, just five kilometres from the coast and fifteen south of Stellenbosch. The property was first settled in 1693 by a German immigrant named Henning Huising. In 1756, the farm passed into the hands of the Myburgh family, and there it has remained for nearly 270 years. Today, Hannes Myburgh serves as the eighth-generation custodian of this seventeenth-century national monument.

Meerlust's place in South African wine history was secured in 1980, when the estate released Rubicon -- the Cape's first Bordeaux-style blend and a wine that would become one of the most recognised names in South African winemaking. The creation was a collaboration between then-owner Nico Myburgh and Italian winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, who blended Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in proportions inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux's Right Bank. The name Rubicon, drawn from Caesar's fateful crossing, signalled a point of no return for both the estate and the industry.

Only three winemakers have held the reins at Meerlust since Dalla Cia's arrival. Chris Williams succeeded him and served for decades before Wim Truter took over in 2020. Truter holds a degree in Chemistry, Oenology, and Viticulture from the University of Stellenbosch and pursued advanced studies in vine, wine, and terroir management across France, Italy, and Spain. His appointment continued Meerlust's tradition of selecting winemakers with deep technical knowledge and an international perspective.

The estate grows all its grapes on the property, a rarity among South Africa's top producers. The soils are predominantly Hutton and Clovelly types, providing excellent drought resistance. The cool coastal climate -- ocean breezes and evening mists rolling in from False Bay -- allows grapes to ripen slowly, developing full, concentrated varietal flavours with exceptional complexity and character.

Beyond Rubicon, the wine range includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meerlust Red -- a second-label Bordeaux blend that makes the estate's style accessible at a more approachable price point. Every wine is estate-grown and estate-bottled, reflecting the terroir of this unique coastal property.

The estate grounds include the historic manor house, a classic wine cellar, a family cemetery, a dovecote, and a bird sanctuary. Visitors can taste the full range for R75 (refundable on purchase) or book a VIP tasting at R150 for a private seated experience with current vintages and library wines served in Riedel glassware. Walking trails wind through the property, and the estate operates a wine club with exclusive allocations.