Western Cape Wine Estate Weddings

South Africa’s Western Cape Province is arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And for anyone who has visited the area, it is really no surprise. From pristine beaches to rolling green wine farms and urban mountains, the scenery in this part of Africa is truly breathtaking. The people of the Western Cape are a huge part of what makes the area so pleasurable to visit and they are as welcoming and friendly as they are diverse.

With such a spectacular backdrop and accommodating people, it is easy to understand why so many people choose to have their special day in the Western Cape. A wedding is an experience that should be remembered forever and if it is held on a beach in on the Atlantic Seaboard or a wine farm in Stellenbosch, this is absolutely guaranteed.

Saying Your Vows on a Wine Estate

Nothing quite compares to saying your wedding vows in the vineyards of a Western Cape wine estate. This region is world renowned for its impeccable wines and many of the wine farms themselves have been operating for generations and are steeped in history. Most estates can accommodate both the ceremony and the reception and have charming rooms and suites for guests who stay over. Complete wedding packages are usually available from most estates and include everything from the food to the décor and make for an extremely cost-effective option. Each wine farm is unique in style and experience and offers a backdrop for a wedding that includes impeccable service and, of course, beautiful photographs!

When you choose to get married on a wine estate in the Western Cape, some issues are worth bearing in mind. International visitors to South Africa can be assured that a marital union forged in the country is valid throughout the world and there are no residency requirements that need to be filled before the ceremony can take place. Many foreign currencies are also fairly strong against the South African Rand, making a wedding in the country financially viable. The best time to visit the Western Cape is from November to February as the summer sunshine is almost a certainty. It is usefully to remember though that this is high season, and attractions will be busy and prices a little higher.

The Western Cape’s Top Three Wedding Wine Estate Venues

There are so many different wine estates and farms and the Western Cape that is hard to decide which one would offer you the ideal wedding venue. While each estate has its own incredible features, there are a few that while may not be as well known, offer a truly beautiful and unique experience.

Vrede en Lust Wine Estate

This Franschhoek wine estate is one of the Western Cape’s more popular offerings and having your wedding at Vrede en Lust allows you access to over 300 years of wine making experience and many extra services. The luscious gardens make the ideal location for photographs and professional babysitters are on hand to take care of the little ones. There are three venues to choose from, the Plaza, Winery Complex or Historic Cellar. The Plaza offers an eclectic mix old and new with majestic columns and wooden ceilings, while the Winery Complex has a private balcony overlooking the vineyards. The Historic Cellar is a 220 year old building rich in character and charm. The doors open out on to the gardens with breathtaking views of the mountains.

Hazendal Wine Estate

Hazendal Wine Estate offers perhaps the most unusual wedding wine estate venue in the Western Cape. This estate was recently taken over by renowned Russian businessman, Dr Mark Voloshin and has been revitalised thanks to his dedication. Dr Voloshin is of Russian birth and his expert taste has amalgamated the heritage of this country with South African culture, creating a truly unique venue. Wedding packages allow for both the ceremony and the reception to be held on the estate and in a choice of three unique venues. The ceremony can take place in the Marvol Museum, where your guests will surrounded by the best in Russian and South African art or in the lounge of the main Manor House in front of a roaring fire.

The lawn in the front of the Manor House is a truly exquisite place for a summer wedding. The national monument Cape Dutch house offers a stunning backdrop and the rolling green lawns are perfectly manicured. Receptions can be held in a marquee on this lawn or in the spacious Hermitage restaurant. The glass wall of the restaurant looks into the wine cellar for an extraordinary backdrop and the nearby lounge is a great place for guests to retire to after a sumptuous meal. The mix of traditional Russian and South African foods make for a wedding meal that you will never forget, complemented by five star service from staff who do not hesitate to go that extra mile.

Morgenhof Wine Estate

The Morgenhof Wine Estate lies just outside Stellenbosch and is within a convenient 25 minute drive of both Cape Town’s city centre and international airport. This wine farm has been in operation for over 300 years and produces some of the world’s finest wines. The octagonal underground cellar makes for an unusual and delightful venue for a wedding, which is perfect in the colder winter months. This cellar is a landmark in the Stellenbosch Winelands and has been meticulously kept. A summer wedding in the picturesque gardens is also an option and is made special by the excellent service offered by the estate’s friendly staff.

About the Author

Hazendal Wine Estate has been in operation since 1699 and is one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful wine estates. Nearly falling to ruin by the early 1990s, Dr Mark Voloshin restored this estate to its former glory, preserving a slice of South African history for future generations and finally enabling couples a truly breathtaking place to say their vows.