The Whale Coast is one of our favourite places for a quick weekend getaway. Towns like Hermanus and Stanford have so much to offer; throw in wines of the Hemel en Aarde Valley and the never-ending views of Walker Bay and it is pretty much perfect. It can be tempting to want to whizz straight there but there are so many great places along the way that are really worth visiting. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is one place that should be top of your list; the estate has undergone incredible development over the past couple of years and has so much to offer for wine lovers, foodies and even families.

Wine Tasting at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

At Benguela Cove, you will find a number of different options for wine tasting and we love that there’s something that will appeal to every palate and tasting style.

There are both sweet and savoury options available or want to just taste wine without any pairing, the extensive range will keep you busy for a while. The tasting room is large and comfortably appointed with both plush indoor and outdoor seating. Choose your spot and then get settled in to enjoy.

Chocolate and Wine Pairing

Chocolate and wine are such a match made in heaven and we loved this pairing. Four elegant, handmade chocolates are paired with four Benguela Cove wines.

To start off, a stunning dark chocolate is filled with a lemon ganache and is paired with Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc. The fruity notes of the wine are elevated by the citrus and the dark chocolate adds richness to the mouthfeel.

A pretty milk chocolate heart is next, filled with honey and almond truffle. This is paired with Benguela Cove Chardonnay.

The Chardonnay was the wine of the day for us and this pairing prompted us to enjoy a bottle when we were done.

Next, Benguela Cove Matilda’s Secret is served alongside a dark chocolate, which is filled with ganache with a hint of peppercorn. The pepperiness is balanced by the wine and the unusual combination is exciting and fun.

Look out for a sliver of actual chilli in the final chocolate of the pairing. A chilli ganache enrobed with dark chocolate that works so well with the spiciness of Benguela Cove Shiraz.

Wine and Choc Pairing: R110 pp

Cheese and Wine Pairing

If you’re a cheese lover, then this pairing is the thing to do. It gives you insight into some incredibly tasty cheeses, all but one are locally produced.

A soft curd cheese, called Caciotta, is an amazing way to kickstart the tasting. It is a cross between feta and brie and is really something special – texturally unusual but so appealing. Made by an artisanal cheese-maker, at her home in Darling on the West Coast, you can tell it’s been made with love. Paired with the tropical notes of Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc, which is partially barrel-fermented, it has a really smooth quality and makes for a divine pairing.

We loved the next pairing of a matured Boerenkaas, which comes all the way from Cullinan, east of Pretoria. It is produced in the traditional Dutch method and works in harmony with Benguela Cove Chardonnay – our wine of the day.

Moving onto reds, Benguela Cove Pinot Noir is served with Karoo Crumble from Langbaken. This hard cheese with sharp flavoured crystals throughout won us over and the Pinot Noir stood up remarkably well to this cheese.

Cremona Blue is the only international guest on the cheese pairing menu, hailing from Denmark. It is full-flavoured, sharp and creamy just as a good blue should. This cheese is served with Matilda’s Secret blend.

The final cheese on the 5-course pairing is the incredible Phantom Forest from Belnori Boutique Cheesery in Benoni. Its whimsical name belies the punch that this goats cheese delivers. Tangy and creamy, this cheese matures and develops a mould on the outside and is then rolled in ash, giving it notes of earthy mushroom. It is truly remarkable on the palate served with Benguela Cove Shiraz.

Cheese & Wine Pairing: R110 pp

Millionaire’s Pairing

If you enjoy sweet wines, then end off your experience with the Millionaire’s Pairing – Benguela Cove’s two dessert wines with… you guessed it… Millionaire’s Shortbread. Utter decadence!

R40 pp one wine, R55 pp two wines

Nibbles and Things

Once you’re done with your wine tasting, you’ll probably be tempted to have something more to drink and nibble and at Benguela Cove there are so many great options. We loved the selection of platters on offer and enjoyed a generous cheese and charcuterie platter.

The platter is served with fresh ciabatta and this gave us the opportunity to sample Benguela Cove Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The olives are grown on the estate and pressed locally to produce a medium intensity oil with notes of mown grass and that characteristic true olive oil bitterness.

Moody Lagoon Restaurant

The estate has a fabulous restaurant onsite called Moody Lagoon, you can opt to book for lunch, or if you are celebrating something special, it’s the perfect place for a celebratory dinner.

Adventure Pirate Golf at Benguela Cove

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Experience Adventure Pirate Golf at Benguela Cove – an 18-hole mini golf course themed to bring to life all things of the seven seas! If you have youngsters, think about strategically sending dads and kids to play and dine at Blackbeard’s Diner, while moms relax and enjoy wine tasting!

To experience all that is on offer, be sure to plan a stop at Benguela Cove into your visit to the Whale Coast area.

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