Discovering the Cape Winelands of South Africa
Approximately ten minutes from Stellenbosch, in the peaceful Knorhoek valley, is where you’ll find the Muratie wine estate.
Tourists go to the Cape Winelands of South Africa not just because of the excellent wine but also because of the beautiful landscape, unusual wine-tasting venues, comfortable lodgings, delicious cuisine, and welcoming residents.
The Winelands are an expansive territory in the Western Cape of South Africa, home to some of the best-known wine-producing areas in the country.
STEP BACK IN TIME AT MURATIE
The Melck family, who have farmed this property for the most of its wine-making history, owns and manages the estate. Upon entering Muratie’s wine cellar and tasting area, you’ll be transported back in time by displays of antique farming machinery and tools.
Stepping into the cellar is like entering a time capsule filled with priceless artwork and antiques.Anyone who has ever been to Stellenbosch can tell you stories about Oom Samie Se Winkel. A Cape Town institution and a must-visit when in the wine region.
The store is stocked to the rafters with curios, artwork, antiques, and relics from the past, giving it an atmosphere reminiscent of Victorian-era rural trading posts. And once inside Muratie, it’s clear that the same collecting family has a hand in everything here.
TASTING WITH A DIFFERENCE
Cobwebs adorn the walls of the tasting room, wrapping themselves over the paintings and older bottles of wine on exhibit.
Some of the farm’s original concrete fermentation tanks have been repurposed as cozy seating areas; you can still detect the wax coating on the walls. Newer vintages from the estate are stored in similar ancient concrete tanks next door.
Each wine variety at Muratie is named after a person who contributed to the farm’s history, so you may learn more about the people behind the wine while you taste.
YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE
The kind hospitality of the estate at Muratie made my family and I never want to go, but we didn’t have to for another night because it was so much fun.
Only the GP Canitz Guest Cottage, which can accommodate two adults, is available in Muratie. The cottage has a lovely living area with a wide fireplace, a tiny kitchen, and one spacious bedroom with an attached bathroom.
It’s convenient to the eatery and only a short distance from the gallery and tasting room.
If you’ve ever wanted to own a vineyard, you’ve found the perfect spot. The magnificent manor house on the Muratie estate is yours to explore whenever you like once the farmhands have gone home and the tasting room and restaurant have closed.
After we had done some sight-seeing and strolled around the vineyards, we sat on the grass with our bottle of MCC and watched the sun set behind the mountains.
SO MUCH MORE TO ENJOY
Muratie, however, is not only known for its culinary offerings. The estate is a paradise for nature lovers, with fantastic pathways for hiking and mountain riding. There is even a trail center there to meet your every need.
The cottage on the property is named for renowned Muratie artist GP Canitz, and the grounds also feature a gallery dedicated to his work. Here, contemporary artworks contrast with the original brick walls of the estate’s initial home.
This Cape winery is tucked away from the main drag and offers a taste of the country life. Muratie is a fantastic destination, whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway for two.
