Zevenwacht Wine Estate

Zevenwacht Wine Estate traces its origins to 1688, when the land along Langverwacht Road in what is now Kuils River was first granted to settler Catharina Ras. The name, meaning 'Seven Expectations' in Dutch, has proved prophetic: over more than three centuries the property has evolved from a modest Cape farm into a 450-hectare lifestyle estate that delivers on expectations of wine, food, views, relaxation, accommodation, family adventure, and natural beauty.

The modern chapter of Zevenwacht began in 1992 when Harold and Denise Johnson purchased the farm and committed to a programme of development that would unlock its potential. Their investment transformed the estate into a complete wine tourism destination on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, with panoramic vistas stretching from the vineyards to Table Mountain, Table Bay, and False Bay beyond. The Johnsons also acquired a second farming property, Zevenrivieren, on the Helshoogte Pass, extending Zevenwacht's viticultural reach into cooler, higher-altitude terroir.

Winemaker Hagen Viljoen oversees the cellar, honouring centuries-old traditions while embracing modern vinification techniques. His portfolio spans several tiers: the flagship Z Collection of four premium wines, the Estate range, The Tin Mine, the everyday 7even range, and the Jan Wines label. Between them the ranges cover Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Grenache, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Rose, Port, and red and white blends -- a breadth that earned Zevenwacht recognition as a specialist in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz.

The Zevenwacht Restaurant occupies a turn-of-the-nineteenth-century Cape Dutch Manor House and serves French-inspired cuisine from breakfast through dinner, Monday to Saturday, with Sunday service until 17h00. The Wine Tasting Centre doubles as a Cheese and Chocolate Deli, offering hand-made mozzarella from Puglia cheeses alongside truffle, biltong, and charcuterie pairings.

The tasting programme itself is layered to match the wine range. The Z Collection Tasting at R200 presents four flagship wines in the barrel cellar. The Executive Tasting at R120 offers six wines chosen from the Estate, Tin Mine, Jan, and 7even ranges. The Lifestyle Tasting at R95 introduces five wines from the approachable 7even tier. Each pairing experience -- cheese, chocolate truffle, or biltong -- is priced at R150, and complimentary cellar tours of fifteen to twenty minutes can be booked in advance.

Accommodation ranges from the Zevenwacht Country Inn to Vineyard Cottages and a private Chalet, all set among gardens, a dam, and walking and cycling trails. A spa, kids' jungle gym, and function venues for weddings and conferences complete the offering. Zevenwacht is a recognised WWF Conservation Champion, reflecting the Johnson family's commitment to sustainable farming on this storied Stellenbosch property.