Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

A few weeks ago while staying in Gordons Bay, we took a trip out to Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. It was our first visit to the estate, which we have passed on many occasions en route to Hermanus. 

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Approximately an hours drive from Cape Town along the Whale Coast you will find Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. As we were staying at On The Bay Retreat in Gordon’s Bay, we drove along the coast, which took approximately 40 minutes.

You cannot help but fall in love with the picturesque location of the 200-hectare security estate. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the Botriver lagoon, the views are breathtaking. Not only is Benguela Cove one of the closest vineyards to the sea, but they are also the largest wine producer in Walker Bay.

The estate is home to a 400-tonne custom-built winery, with advanced technology and custom designed equipment. Head winemaker Johann Fourie’s passion for winemaking includes all aspects of the industry – from selecting vineyards to growing grapes, as well as the technology behind winemaking.

Wine Tasting

Cellar door tastings are R80 per person and include any five of the Benguela estate wines. The Benguela Cove tasting room is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm, and booking is not required. If you buy wine over R150, your tasting fee will be refunded against your wine purchase.

Two years ago while staying at Lakeside Lodge, I fell in love with their Pinot Noir, and I could not wait to taste their latest vintage. It did not disappoint! Both Grant and I also really enjoyed the Lighthouse Collection Dry Rosé, which is a blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier.

Grant also really enjoyed the Lighthouse Collection Sauvignon Blanc, and I found the Collage Red Blend rather delicious. The Collage Red Blend is a sexy Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot, delivering red fruit, as well as spice on the palate.

Additional tasting options include a Millionaires Tasting Experience, Chocolate and Wine Pairing, as well as a Cheese and Wine Pairing.

Dining

After enjoying our wine tasting, we had lunch at Moody Lagoon Restaurant. The restaurant, set in the heart of the Benguela Cove winery complex overlooks the lagoon and the Atlantic ocean. Lunch at Moody Lagoon is a relaxed affair, with the emphasis on fresh produce and simple, but creative dishes.

On the menu

You will find dishes such as Beer Battered Fish and chips, Pulled Beef Brisket on ciabatta, pickled cucumber, coleslaw served and fries, as well as a Beef Sirloin, with chips and a rocket, parmesan and balsamic onion salad, on the menu.

Grant had the Pulled Beef Brisket, and I opted for the Beef Sirloin. Both our meals were delicious, and we could not resist a bottle of perfectly chilled rosé with lunch.

Boat Trip

Weather-permitting you can opt for a leisurely boat trip, across the Lagoon, on the Lady Bonnie pontoon boat. The relaxed hour-long boat trip takes you out across the lagoon giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It is advised to Check in an hour before your boat ride and stock up on some wine, to enjoy on the cruise.

For the Kids

For the kids, young and old, there is Pirate Golf, Benguela Cove’s 18-hole Adventure Golf course. Once the golfers have built up an appetite, there is Blackbeard’s Diner for Burgers, hot dogs, slush puppies, cold drinks and ice-creams.

Pirate Golf is open during Summer, from November to April, Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm until 8 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During Winter they are open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm,  and until 6 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Contact Details

Contact via telephone Wine Sales +27 (0) 83 645 6198, Head Office: +27 (0) 21 944 1041, Restaurant Reservations +27 (0) 87 357 0637 or Email: [email protected].

Images: Boat trip image supplied. ©2010 – 2018 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}

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Disclosure

Wine tasting and lunch were complimentary. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. Care has been taken to ensure that all information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.