Lanzerac where grace & wine never go out of style

LIKE A FINE WINE, LANZERAC CONTINUES TO AGE EXCEPTIONALLY WELL WHILE RETAINING TIMELESS GRACE. WYNAND LATEGAN, LANZERAC’S CELLAR MASTER CHATS TO ROVE SA ABOUT THE LEGACY AND JOURNEY OF WINE AT THIS ICONIC ESTATE.

First-class. Those are the words that come to mind when visiting Lanzerac Wine Estate.

Lanzerac is nestled in the Jonkershoek Valley, which is well-known for its fynbos, trails, lush forests, majestic views of mountains and conditions suited for growing grapes.

It’s hard to find the words to adequately express an experience at Lanzerac, but Wynand Lategan, Lanzerac’s Cellar Master comes pretty close to it while describing the wine. “It’s the perfect place where old-world charm meets new-world fruit.”

Lategan, in the midst of the busy harvest season, comes across as highly efficient yet warm, and has quiet confidence that stems from experience and passion for what he does.

“After studying, I worked as a journalist but really wanted to work outdoors in nature. After a time, I started studying Wine Technology at Elsenburg and realised that I could make this a career. I started by working weekends and every holiday in tasting rooms at wine farms and eventually got a job as an assistant winemaker,” Lategan says.

“Winemaking affords you so many opportunities – it is farming but also affords you a creative outlet to produce something amazing from nature and add input to various aspects of the business, such as marketing, finance and so forth,” he adds.

“Each day is different, particularly during harvest. While you have a general plan, sometimes things change. I have to consider the outdoor elements, loadshedding and various other factors –being adaptable and taking a very handson approach is required.”

According to Lategan harvest time can vary slightly. “It’s a bit like giving birth to a baby and you have to be ready whenever its ready and then monitor it 24/7. Harvest lasts about two months and I have a general idea of what I will be getting because wine is actually made in the vineyard, which I consistently monitor.

“It is critical how you manage your vineyards in growing season as that influences your wine more than what you do in the cellar. Throughout the growing season I can ascertain the character of what I am going to get. The key to making a really good vintage is to get the timing right, know when to harvest and to not overdo the wine in the cellar. For me it’s about finding the perfect fruit in vineyard.”

Lategan explains that Lanzerac’s wines are unique in the sense that it focuses solely on the Jonkershoek Valley and its terroir. “Each winemaker has their own style, but for a good wine you have to be cognisant of the terroir and work with that. South African wine is a combo of old world and new world – old world style but new world fruit.

“Our white wines are very much about balancing freshness and fruity flavours, and our reds feature dark fruit and polished tannins. All our wines are about balance – I never want to over-oak a wine or over-ripe the fruit. Our wines also tend to focus more on the palate than the nose – it has a lot of substance on the palate.”

Lanzerac has three main ranges: Jonkershoek Range, Heritage Range and Cellar Master Collection (limited).

“There are always new ideas but for the Jonkershoek and Heritage Range it’s about consistency to cater to our clients. Once I have done the core wines – Jonkershoek and Heritage – I then experiment a bit, which is what the Cellar Master Collection is about... I am never too old to learn something new,” says Lategan.

Heritage Range

Left to Right: Le General, Mrs English, Pionier Pinotage

Jonkershoek Range

Left to Right: Chardonnay, Pinotage Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc

Cellar Master Collection

Left to Right: Bergpad, PROF, Kurktrekker

Experience Lanzerac

Dining at Lanzerac Deli

In search of a light meal that is packed with fresh produce, breads, pastries, gourmet sandwiches and snack platters. The relaxed yet textured décor feels luxurious – there are indoor and outdoor seating options. The deli also has a store that is reminiscent of an elegant padstaal (farm stall) with savouries, wine and various other items on offer.

which is exceptionally smooth on the palate. The pairing of each chocolate is perfection and brings out more flavours of the wine.

Wine aficionados can also book a wine tour, whereby you get the opportunity to walk through the vineyards, winery and cellar.

Manor Kitchen

For a more foraml dining experience, the Manor Kitchen is home to gourmet dishes in a setting that is both elegant, classy yet contemporary. Chef Stephen Fraser is a legend with balancing flavours and textures that result in artistic plates with flavour profiles that seduce the senses.

Tranquillity, luxury and ultimate relaxation is on offer with a variety of treatments and panoramic views of the lush landscape of majestic mountains and vineyards.

Taphuis

Chic country-style décor results in a relaxing, cosy ambience. The menu is elegant pub-grub.

Experiencing a wine and artisinal chocolate tasting

There are three wine tasting options on offer:

1. Jonkershoek tasting: 5 wines from the Jonkershoek Range

2. Wine and chocolate tasting: 5 Jonkershoek Range wines paired with artisanal chocolates

3. Heritage tasting: 4 flagship wines inclusive of the Lanzerac MCC Blanc de Blancs Brut

This wine and chocolate pairing is pure bliss! The wine is a testament to the Lanzerac operation, particularly the Merlot

Take a trip

Guests are treated to a variety of experiences in the area, which can be arranged by the hotel such as trips to surrounding areas. For those looking to be a bit more active there are mountain bikes and scoot tour rentals at Lanzerac to experience the nearby mountain biking trails and nature reserve.

Accommdation fit for royalty

There are 53 rooms that pays homage to the rich Cape heritage while seamlessly highlighting sophistication and elegance.

Finding inspiriation

There are six rooms available for conferencing/meetings, which retains the Lanzerac DNA of of elegance, intimacy and efficiency.