Address: R44 Road , Strand Road , Somerset West, 7129
Phone: +27 (021) 855 3450
Website: www.avontuurestate.co.za
Trading Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 – 17:00/ Sat & Sun 8:30 – 16:00

Avontuur Estate, home of Fine Wines and Fast Horses, nestles against the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Visit us on the Stellenbosch Wine Route for wine tasting, wine sales and a bite to eat in our deli-style restaurant.

Avontuur Wine Estate is a producer of top-quality wines, particularly Reds. The soils, aspect and meso-climate, combined with the cool southeasterly winds from the nearby Atlantic Ocean in Summer, produce grapes of exceptional quality. Picture it for yourself. Vine upon vine of ripening fruit, the shining Indian Ocean stretched out before you, green horse paddocks surrounded by white fences, Table Mountain in the distance, a sunny terrace and the gloriously rugged Helderberg Mountain behind you.

Avontuur Estate was bought by Tony Taberer in 1983. At that stage the farm was only 40 hectares in size, with Cinsaut and Steen making up the majority of the vineyards. These vines had been planted ten years earlier, along with a block each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Realizing the vast potential for classy wines, Tony and his General Manager at the time, Manie Kloppers, immediately started a replanting program. In 1988, a further 40 hectares were purchased from the adjoining farm, San Gabriel, and the Avontuur dream was alive. The cellar and winery were built in the same year and her green and white colors have since become synonymous with regular travelers down the R44.

In the early 90′s, under the guiding hand of Frenchman, Jean-Luc Sweerts , Avontuur became widely recognized as the early pace-setter for easy-drinking reds in South Africa. In 1991, we released our instantly popular Cabernet/Merlot blend, made for immediate drinking rather than long-term cellaring. In the late 90′s, Lizelle Gerber replaced Jean-Luc as winemaker, and really harnessed the estates’ incredible potential for elegant wines. Her record speaks for itself. In her 3 harvests with us, Avontuur won the trophy for the best Chenin Blanc (wooded) in 2002, our Pinot Noir was the only wine to receive an award in its category at the London wine awards and the Noble Late Harvest received 5 stars from John Platter, 2 years in a row. These, amongst countless other accolades with Avontuur, set her in a class of her own. Willie Malherbe took over the reigns as winemaker in 2001 and continued in the proud tradition with top local and international accolades for the Baccarat 2001, gold medals for his Shiraz at the Young Wine Shows in 2003 and 2004, as well as 4 stars in Wine Magazine and Johan Platter for the estate’s Reserve Chardonnay, Luna de Miel .

In July 2006 Adél van der Merwe was appointed as new winemaker.  After completing her B.Sc Agric (Vini & Viticulture) degree at Stellenbosch University, Adél, worked at Hartenberg Estate and Waterford Estate to gain experience.  A stint in Germany, added to her knowledge.

AVONTUUR ESTATE RESTAURANT

A la Carte menu, Champagne breakfasts, Contemporary rustic/modern country cuisine. The Restaurant is open from 9h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday and from 9h00 to 16h00 on Saturdays & Sundays. Booking is essential. Closed Christmas day and Good Friday

The restaurant is decorated in an eclectic mix of old and new and has a warm inviting atmosphere. The sun drenched terrace with its vine draped pagodas, has spectacular views of the paddocks, vines and Table Mountain and is popular in summer. In winter a cozy fire welcomes our guests.The a la carte menu offers a mouthwatering selection. Indulge your senses with a hearty breakfast selection enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. Champagne breakfasts are ever popular.

The lunch menu, bursting with flavor, boasts specialties such as the duck with a piquant Van der Hum sauce, matured Fillet of Beef and fish with a Saffron Veloutè. Lighter options put emphasis on organic and local produce, where salads, sandwiches and quiches appeal to the health conscious. Delectable desserts will linger in the mind long after the meal especially if savored with the farms 5 or 10 year pot stilled brandy.

The emphasis at Avontuur is on unhurried meals in the company of good friends without compromising service. Dinner under the stars in summer boasts a menu that changes weekly where the chefs ring the changes by using seasonal ingredients. The estate restaurant is the perfect corporate and function venue, specializing in small, intimate occasions.