The Cellar Door, Garden & Activities

The beautiful garden surrounding the winery is the legacy of Jean Retief who, since her arrival in 1937, has planted many trees to commemorate special family, political and historical occasions.  A leaflet detailing all these stories are available from all our staff and visitors are welcome to take part in a self-guided tour. 

On sunny days one can enjoy the wines in the shaded garden tasting area, while on chilly days the wines are presented from the old manor house with a cosy fire crackling away. Another tradition started by Jean Retief is the serving of sweet-corn fritters to guests and today Van Loveren still serves this complimentary signature snack on Saturdays, when a member of the Retief family is also available to share insights and stories with guests.

The Fish Eagle Hiking trail is a 8.5 km circular trail that starts at the winery.  Although not long in distance it is a challenging route with steep gradients over Elandsberg mountain and loose gravel. Be aware that you will need a fair level of fitness to enjoy this trail.  With spectacular views of the valley floor, rich birdlife and a diverse range of flora, it is a must-do activity for hikers, bird lovers and photographers alike.