AN EPICUREAN ESCAPE

An Epicurean

Escape

Nestled within the picturesque Franschhoek Valley – on 100 hectares of vineyards, expertly landscaped gardens, and unique fynbos – is Leeu Estates, the flagship property of the multi-award-winning Leeu Collection.

Location, Location

Franschhoek is renowned the globe over for its fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and luxury hospitality, and the Leeu Collection brings guests the best-inclass of each.

Three historic farms that featured prominently in the traditions of the valley – Dieu Donné, Klein Dassenberg, and Von Ortloff – were joined to create Leeu Estates, with its exquisite, restored 19th-century Manor House.

A Natural Immersion

It is impossible to visit Leeu Estates without being awe-struck by the natural setting and pristine grounds. The perfectly manicured lawns have been thoughtfully designed to showcase the monumental artwork dotted throughout. Scenic walkways traverse both the riverside and vineyards, offering a more natural experience than the formality of the rest of the gardens. The Four Quarter Vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc destined to be made into a house-style wine for the Leeu Collection properties.

In addition to the vineyards, olive groves, and rows of pomegranate trees, there are thriving vegetable, herb, and fruit gardens in separate growing areas all along the west dam of the impressive estates. Under the expertise of Christine Stevens (who has been building edible gardens for over 20 years), the Leeu Locally Grown edible garden provides farm-to-fork produce to the spectacular restaurants on Leeu Estates. Everything

is grown following natural farming principles, with no pesticides or herbicides used to ensure that the finest, tastiest vegetables and herbs are available for the chefs.

Culinary Excellence

Situated in the regal Manor House is The Dining Room, the beloved in-house dining option for Leeu Estates guests. All-day light dining includes dishes like salads harvested from the estate garden, burgers, wraps, and gourmet sandwiches. On the à la carte menu you’ll find starters like pork terrine with charred spring onion, smoked bacon jam, pea and mint velouté, sultana gel, mange tout, and Melba toast for starters, and smoked Wagyu beef brisket with sweet potato mash as a main course. There are also several impressive vegan, vegetarian, and other free-from options. The breakfast spread and menu are characteristically comprehensive, and there is a separate menu for all meals for children.

In the midst of the vineyards and manicured landscapes, offering views of the Franschhoek Valley and the Franschhoek Pass, is La Petite Colombe. Sister restaurant of the multi-award-winning La Colombe in Constantia, La Petite Colombe offers diners the highest level of excellence, from service to exquisite multi-course lunches and dinners sprinkled with touches of whimsy and drama for a oneof-a-kind dining experience.

More than Five Star

The five-star premium accommodation on Leeu Estates comprises sophisticated rooms and spacious suites in the historic Manor House; as well as exclusive-use private cottages hidden throughout the estates.

Enjoy a family getaway with unparalleled views of the valley at The Oaks. Make the most of the magnificent terrace and private plunge pool overlooking the vineyards at Vineyard Cottage. Steep yourself in history in the Cellar Cottage heritage building. Soak up the natural setting with the landscaped private garden, sparkling plunge pool, outdoor hot tub, and timber pergola veranda of Fynbosch Cottage. Live in traditional Cape Dutch luxury at Max House in a

superbly refurbished original gabled building. Last but certainly not least, stay above one of the earthen dams, surrounded by natural fynbos and acres of vines, at Protea House.

Best of the Winelands

Leeu Collection founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS) is a partner in Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines with Chris and Andrea Mullineux, the team behind these celebrated wines produced on Leeu Estates and at Roundstone Farm in the Swartland appellation.

By 2021, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines had notched up over 45 five-star ratings from Platter’s South African Wine Guide since its first release in 2008, and was named the wine guide’s Winery of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2020 – the first winery in South Africa to achieve this accolade four times.

The Mullineuxs follow a reasoned approach to farming in all their vineyards, and endeavour to apply practices as natural and organic as possible, all expertly managed by Chris and Andrea.

There are three tutored tasting options available to choose from at The Wine Studio on Leeu Estates: The Mullineux Signature tasting, the Mullineux Single Terroir tasting, and the Leeu Passant tasting.

Awe-inspiring Art

“Art is not only a pillar of the Leeu Collection, it is a passion and as important as food, wine, or sense of place. It enhances the aesthetic component that guests expect when booking into a five-star destination property,” shares Mr. Singh.

South Africa’s oldest and largest group of galleries, Everard Read specialises in contemporary art from South Africa and the diaspora. Everard Read Franschhoek at Leeu Estates serves as a gallery and sculpture park with a focus on showcasing monumental sculpture amongst the breathtaking fynbos and vineyards of Leeu Estates, as well as exhibiting important works by local artists in the superb purpose-built gallery on site.

Wellness in the Winelands

Last but far from least, Leeu Spa at Leeu Estates offers pure and premium

pampering aimed at nurturing body and mind through the restorative powers of Africa’s rich natural resources, including minerals, flowers, herbs, and natural oils.Reflecting the location, the unique collection of Pinotage facial and body care products is used in the popular vinotherapy treatments. The South African grape offers antioxidant skincare properties to guard against environmental damage while leveraging the powerful anti-ageing effects of polyphenols.

The spa includes four treatment rooms, including a premium suite, two couple’s treatment rooms, and one single treatment room. Add to this a hair and nail salon, his and hers steam rooms, a plunge pool overlooking a tranquil lily pond, and an infinity pool, and there is certainly no calmer place in the winelands.

For more information or to reserve your unforgettable epicurean escape, visit www.leeucollection.com or contact reservations@leeucollection.com.

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