Living in Cape Town, it’s easy forget how close we are to one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. A mere forty-five-minute drive from the city delivers you to the Stellenbosch Winelands, where Jordan Wine Estate offers the perfect retreat from urban life.
If you’re visiting from further afield and are looking to explore beyond Jordan’s boundaries, the estate’s location proves ideal. More than 200 award-winning wineries lie within easy reach, making it possible to discover new favourites and return each evening to familiar comfort. Yet Jordan itself provides compelling reasons to stay put, like luxurious comfort, expert wine tasting and excellent food – all the makings of a memorable weekend getaway.
Sanctuary Among the Vines
The accommodation at Jordan Wine Estate strikes that perfect balance between luxury and intimacy. The suites, positioned separately from the main estate operations, overlook vineyards that stretch towards the Stellenbosch mountains. Our open-plan suite featured stylish décor and was cosy and comfortable, even on a slightly grey winter weekend. A central fireplace in the suite provided warmth and ambience, two things that make a Winelands evening, with a glass of red in hand, so appealing.
Our open-plan suite featured stylish décor and was cosy and comfortable, even on a slightly grey winter weekend
Each morning begins with the kind of quiet that we city dwellers rarely experience. The only sounds are those of the vineyard awakening, birds calling from the trees, and the subtle rustle of vine leaves catching the morning breeze.
This peaceful environment is ideal for weekend escapes from Cape Town’s pace. Rather than rushing through a day trip, you can plan thoughtful excursions in the area, with restaurants, boutiques, markets and more, all within reach.
This peaceful environment proves ideal for weekend escapes from Cape Town’s pace.
The Art of Tasting
Jordan’s wine tastings educate as much as they entertain. Lethu, our knowledgeable host, guided us through both the estate range tasting and the flagship wine experience. His approach balanced technical knowledge with storytelling, explaining how specific vineyard blocks contribute to each wine’s character, whilst sharing the estate’s winemaking philosophy.
The flagship tasting revealed some of Jordan’s winemaking achievements. The Nine Yards Chardonnay stood out not merely for its complexity – layers of citrusy lime and subtle oak integration – but for its compelling origin story. According to Lethu, Sir Richard Branson coined the wine’s name after tasting it, exclaiming that “Someone went the whole nine yards when they made this!”.
Culinary Excellence in the Winelands
Marthinus Ferreira, previously of DW Eleven-13 in Johannesburg, now leads The Jordan Restaurant. Ferreira brings his flair for gastronomy to the menu, inspired by personal favourites and with international influences.
Perched above the water of the farm’s dam, with views stretching towards the vineyards, the restaurant combines simplicity with sophistication. Tan leather seating and terracotta crockery and drinkware bring earthy tones and texture, balancing its contemporary aesthetic with a rooted, authentic feel.
The lunch experience began with an exceptional ‘bread and snacks’ course that set expectations high. Each element, from the expertly crafted mini cornbread served warm with whipped butter, to an entire Greek salad constructed into one profoundly delicious bite, and Marthinus’ speciality salad with toasted seeds and pickled red onion – all demonstrated immaculate attention to detail.
The butter-poached prawn starter with smoked duck, lentil and corn fricassée and tarragon velouté showcased Ferreira’s sophisticated approach to local ingredients. The slow-cooked beef cheeks with spiced carrot purée, caponata, milho frito, gremolata and beef jus, exemplified everything you’d want in a superlative main course – executed with consummate skill, rich and satisfying.
The service at Jordan Restaurant matched the kitchen’s standards, with staff who possess genuine knowledge about both the food and wine. Combined with the views in front, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an afternoon in the winelands.
For those staying at the estate who prefer a more casual approach, the estate offers clever alternatives. In-room platters can be ordered and arrive in beautiful woven baskets, perfect for private dining in your room. Hot meals can also be delivered in wonderbags – an inspired solution that keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat. This is particularly useful as the Cellar Door Restaurant closes in the afternoon.
…with stunning views over the lake in front, you’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend an afternoon in the winelands.
Morning Rituals and Simple Pleasures
Breakfast is served at the Cellar Door Restaurant, which is open early exclusively for staying guests. We enjoyed delicious coffee and choices from a daily menu of cooked options – the brioche French toast was a standout, with a crispy exterior giving way to custard-soft interior, served with streaky bacon, citrus, and a dollop of crème fraîche, delicious!
The Winelands Advantage
Rather than cramming wine tastings into a single day trip, booking to stay at Jordan makes sense whether you’re a Capetonian or a traveller from out of town. You can explore the region thoughtfully, returning each evening to enjoy sunset on your stoep.
Staying over allows time for conversations with winemakers, leisurely meals that extend well into the afternoon, and moments of simple relaxation in a beautiful setting. Jordan Wine Estate facilitates this kind of travel, creating space for the discoveries that make winelands visits memorable long after the last bottle is finished.
jordanwines.com | Facebook | Instagram
