Wellington, South Africa
Winery tour: Doolhof Wine Estate in Wellington, South Africa
What’s the winery in a nutshell?
Doolhof Wine Estate is a hidden gem situated at the foot of South Africa’s Limietberg Mountains in Wellington. The name Doolhof, meaning labyrinth in Afrikaans, perfectly captures the estate’s intricate landscape, with its rolling hills and secluded valleys. Established in 1707, the estate spans 380 hectares, with 40 hectares dedicated to vineyards flourishing in diverse microclimates and rich soils. Doolhof’s philosophy emphasises environmental conservation, maintaining vast tracts of indigenous fynbos and implementing sustainable farming practices. Doolhof is a one-stop destination for wine lovers. Here, you can taste exceptional wines and experience unique vineyards, enjoy a highly-rated on-site restaurant, stay in glamping accommodations and vineyard hotels and participate in outdoor activities.
What’s the story behind the vineyard?
Doolhof Wine Estate’s history dates back to 1707, in 1728 Huguenot settlers found the grapes here to be suitable for wine and brandy production and that is where their journey into the world of wine production started. In 1993, the decision was made to cultivate high-quality wine grapes, leading to the planting of the first batch of vines in 1995 and in 2005 Doolhof officially gained estate status.
Wellington’s wine legacy
Wellington has been one of South Africa’s most prominent wine-producing areas for decades. Situated approximately 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Cape Town, Wellington’s rolling hills and valleys provide an ideal setting for viticulture. The town lies approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Paarl and is surrounded by the Groenberg, Hawekwa and Limietberg mountain ranges.
These mountains create a variety of slopes and valleys at different altitudes and aspects, contributing to the region’s diverse terroir. The Wellington region is a significant contributor to South Africa’s vine propagation, with over 90% of South Africa’s vine cuttings originating from Wellington’s nurseries.
Climate and terroir
Wellington’s climate is characterised by hot days tempered by cool evenings, thanks to the influence of nearby mountains and this region experiences dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rainfall ranges from 400 to 800 millimetres per year, with about 30% occurring during early summer and little to none during late summer and the ripening period.
The varied topography results in unique microclimates, with cooler air from the mountains descending into the valleys in the evenings. The temperature variation allows grapes to develop concentrated flavours while retaining acidity.
Doolhof lies between Bain’s Kloof and the Groenberg Mountain Range and the soil here is finer, more balanced and deeper than in the surrounding countryside with clay content evenly distributed. A combination of Malmesbury shale, homogenic Glenrosa and Clovelly soils ensure that the roots are able to descend to four metres or beyond.
Who’s behind the wine?
The visionary owner
In December 2020, British businessman Philip Richards acquired Doolhof Wine Estate, ushering in a new era for the historic property. Richards’ vision is to establish Doolhof as one of the Cape’s premier wine destinations, with a focus on the estate’s unique terroir and producing sustainable wines.
The man behind the wine
Joining Doolhof in January 2024, acclaimed winemaker Rüdger van Wyk brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the estate. A graduate of Stellenbosch University, van Wyk participated in the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé programme, honing his skills under esteemed mentors. His time at Stark-Condé Wines in Stellenbosch saw him rise to prominence, with his wines earning high scores in international competitions and recognition from critics like Jancis Robinson.
What wines are they known for, and which three should I try?
Doolhof is the only wine estate in South Africa that produces wines from the Wine of Origin Limietberg and is among the first Cape farms to cultivate the red grape variety Malbec. In 2007 they released their first Malbec, the first estate Malbec from Wellington. Today, the winery is recognised as one of South Africa’s most awarded producers of Malbec, with their Single Vineyard and Bloedklip Malbec receiving prestigious accolades on both local and international award circuits.
Although Doolhof is well known for their Malbec, Pinotage and Chardonnay, they boast a wide variety of cultivars, including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This range of varietals is used throughout their three ranges – Mountain Range, Single Vineyard Range and Limietberg Exclusives. Their most recent addition is a Provence-style rosé – Xclusiv Rosé – consisting of 51% Grenache and 49% Syrah.
Doolhof’s dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in their preservation of indigenous fynbos and the implementation of eco-friendly farming practices. Doolhof Wine Estate is an accredited member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative which is an industry-wide project to help promote the conservation of fynbos. Approximately half of the estate remains covered by the treasured Cape Floral Kingdom and the untouched land is home to precious wildlife such as the Cape leopard.
Try these
We can confidently say that every wine at Doolhof is worth a try. As a wine consumer, it’s always a bit hard to believe that one estate can produce such a wide variety of cultivars and get it right with each varietal, but Doolhof has managed to do just that. When we say they produce exceptional quality wines, we are serious – you won’t be disappointed with any of their wines. But we all have our favourites and we list ours below.
01
Bloedklip Malbec
The acclaimed Bloedklip Malbec has to be number one on the must-try list. A limited release from the Limietberg Exclusives range, this Malbec is a testament to Doolhof’s dedication to terroir expression.
The grapes for this wine are from the same vineyard as South Africa’s most awarded Malbec and in fact, a three-barrel selection of new French oak 300L barrels from their Single Vineyard Malbec. Grown on some of the best Hutton and Clovelly soils and parcels of shale base pockets.
The nose of this wine is richly dense and savoury with hints of plum and black truffle. It appears slightly rustic, almost reminiscent of an old-world classic. The fruit remains pure and concentrated and follows through with well-rounded and well-balanced tannins.
We love the Bloedklip Malbec because it’s complex and rich, with just the right amount of fruit aromas you expect from a well-balanced Malbec. It’s easy to see why this Malbec has gained recognition and awards from notable critics like Tim Atkin, with the 2018 vintage making it onto the Top 10 Malbec in the World list by Global Malbec Masters.
02
Single Vineyard Pinotage
The grapes for the Single Vineyard Pinotage are hand-harvested and carefully sorted, the grapes then undergo cold soaking and gentle fermentation techniques to preserve their delicate flavours. The wine is then aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
The wine has a lovely deep crimson colour with aromas of clove, vanilla, blackberries and sweet spice on the nose. The palate is rich, full and vibrant with juicy, yet elegantly soft tannins which linger to an elegant and long finish.
This Pinotage shines in the world of awards, with the 2020 vintage receiving a Decanter Silver 91, NWC Top 100 Double Platinum, SAWI Grand Gold 93+, Tim Atkin 90 points and the Terroir Trophy Winner for Best Pinotage.
This wine is one of our personal favourites, taking up a decent amount of space in the cellar. We think this wine is the perfect presentation of what South African Pinotage is. This Pinotage balances impactful tannins with a delicate fruit profile, which results in a wine that is both easy drinking and complex enough to be enjoyed with a spicy curry.
03
Xclusiv Rosé
The new kid on the block and we’re loving it. Although rosé is still taking time to gain more recognition in the South African wine landscape, the Xclusive Rosé is making an impact. We think this Provence-style rosé hits the mark of what a rosé should be – delicate, fresh and flavourful. Plus, it pairs beautifully with food – the ultimate lunch companion.
The Grenache and Syrah grapes used for this rosé were meticulously hand-harvested in small crates during the cool early mornings below the Limietberg. Whole bunches were pressed to achieve the salmon colour and the juice was cold-settled in stainless steel for two days. It was then racked into stainless steel vats and cold fermented to preserve the fruit aromas and maintain fresh acidity. Post-fermentation, the wine matured on the lees for three months, developing richness and weight, resulting in a well-balanced and complex wine.
A beautiful pale salmon hue characterises this wine. It offers delicate and refreshing aromas of cotton candy, rose petals and grapefruit. On the palate, the initial taste reveals a distinct chalky mineral flavour, enhanced by notes of white chocolate and a subtle hint of Turkish delight.
What is the tasting experience like?
The tasting room at Doolhof is designed with understated elegance, featuring earthy tones that create a cosy atmosphere, especially during the winter months. Situated in the newly built extension next to the cellar, the tasting room provides an intimate setting for you to explore the estate’s award-winning wines. During warmer seasons, the tasting room opens onto indigenous gardens, where you can enjoy a tasting surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscapes.
The estate operates year-round, but visiting during the harvest season, typically from February to April, offers a unique glimpse into the winemaking process. The tasting room operates seven days a week, but it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for private tastings or larger groups.
The standard tasting includes five wines and pensioners can enjoy this tasting free of charge on Wednesdays. Doolhof also offers personalised tasting experiences that can be tailored to your preferences. For groups of six or more, a private tasting area is available, where you can enjoy a selection of seven or eight wines presented by the winemaker. This intimate experience provides deeper insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. Bookings for this exclusive tasting are essential.
For those not wishing to drive, especially when indulging in wine tastings, private wine tours with personalised transport are available from Cape Town. These tours offer a safe and convenient way to explore the estate without the concerns of navigation or driving under the influence. If you are staying in the surrounding area, you can make use of Uber services that offer their ride services to Doolhof from Wellington and Paarl areas.
What else?
Mila Restaurant
Situated within a historic wagon house dating back to the late 19th century, Mila Restaurant provides a boutique dining experience with breathtaking views of the Wellington mountains. Bathed in natural light from expansive windows and doors, the restaurant invites you to savour the exceptional Doolhof wines along with fresh, flavourful dishes made with locally sourced ingredients like the beef fillet from Babylonstoren. We love the spacious terrace, surrounded by lush greenery that invites you to linger. Mila is open seven days a week, from morning until late afternoon.
The Doolhof Country House
For the ultimate wine retreat, book a stay at The Doolhof Country House. It is housed within a Cape Dutch Manor House, offers six luxury one-bedroom suites with private patios. There is also a separate thatched cottage available, which provides additional privacy, making it an ideal honeymoon suite. You can dine on the veranda overlooking the mountains or in private dining rooms, enjoying imaginative dishes prepared by the in-house chef. You will also have access to a sparkling 15-metre swimming pool, spa room and hiking and mountain biking trails.
Africamps at Doolhof
For a unique blend of adventure and comfort, Africamps at Doolhof Wine Estate offers boutique glamping tents equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning and private outdoor wood-fired hot tubs. You can enjoy activities such as vineyard hikes, river walks along the Kromme River, mountain biking trails and complimentary wine tastings of five Doolhof wines. Spa treatments are also available within the comfort of your own tent, with prior booking essential.
Vineyard Walks and Hiking Trails
Doolhof Wine Estate offers a five kilometre vineyard hike and a shorter Kromme River walk. These trails pass by the tasting room, the labyrinth and through forests and vineyards, guiding you through the scenic landscapes of the farm.
Mountain Biking
For the adrenaline junkies, Doolhof offers some of the best mountain biking trails in Wellington. You can bring your own mountain bike or rent an e-bike on-site to explore the farm or tackle the exhilarating Wild Boar Trails.
Picnics
You can book a delicious picnic basket from the tasting room to enjoy anywhere on the farm, whether on the grass or on your private deck. The baskets are prepared by the Mila Restaurant and include a selection of local cheese, charcuterie, savoury bites, spreads, fruits, bread and a decadent dessert. You can also select one bottle of wine from the Mountain Range to accompany your basket. They also have vegetarian options available – bookings for picnic baskets are essential!
Doolhof Wine Estate
7655 Bovlei Rd
Wellington
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Doolhof Wine Estate
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Doolhof Wine Estate
7655 Bovlei Rd
Wellington
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Doolhof Wine Estate
Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish