Kuils River is a quiet area on the foothills of the gently slopes of the Bottelary Mountains bordering on the Stellenbosch wine farming region and is referred to as the gateway to the wine routes. Kuils River is about 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. It is home to the Zevenwacht Wine Estate.
Things to do and see
Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht has viticultural roots which penetrate deep into the historic past of South Africa. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm. A leader in wine tourism, Zevenwacht was one of the first Wine Estates to establish a restaurant, hotel and conference facility, Cheesery and Spa on the Estate.
The wines of Zevenwacht are distinguished by their classic style and finely crafted elegance. Winemaker Jacques Viljoen honours century-old wine-making traditions, yet is boldly innovative, welcoming the contribution that modern technology makes to the vinification of premier wines. Covering 120 hectares of the 450 hectare property, the vineyards are ideally situated for the growing of quality grapes. Zevenwacht is characterized by good quality, varied soils and the vineyards have been selectively planted with red and white noble varietals.
Zevenwacht Restaurant
The tastefully decorated Zevenwacht Restaurant, located within a turn of the 19th Century Cape Dutch Manor House, portrays both finesse and charm. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, the restaurant offers contemporary continental cuisine prepared to perfection. Magnificent views of the tranquil lake and park-like gardens are the perfect accompaniment to a memorable dining experience.
Dormershire Wines
Dormershire is a boutique wine estate situated in the Stellenbosch wine region and is the Stellenbosh wine estate located closest to Cape Town, the Mother City.
The Estate offers a panoramic view of Table Mountain and Table Bay which is also depicted on the labels. The estate has, since 1996, been developed with plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz cultivars which were selected to complement the terroir of the farm enhanced by cool ocean breezes from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Harvesting is done by hand to ensure minimal interference with nature and that grapes are only picked at optimum ripeness. Bunches are then hand-sorted in the cellar to obtain the best quality wines possible.
- Kuilsrivier has plenty to offer from Paintball and other adventure activities to wine tasting, golf and shopping.
- Neighbours to Stellenbosch which offers wine-tasting and sparkling -wine tasting; markets; pubs; student life vibes and more
- A short drive from Ratanga Junction and Canal Walk shopping mall in Century City/Milnerton
- a short drive to the V&A Waterfront where you will find trendy restaurants, boat and yacht charters, Robben Island tours, and especially shopping delights!
- Table Mountain National Park is also a close drive as well as the Cableway to reach the top and take in the views
Originally named de Cuylen, Kuils River was a post of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) used as cattle fold (a shelter from weather and predators). Today cow crossings are testimony to its rural setting.
Kuils River has a few wonderful examples of old church and farm buildings can be seen today in amongst the industrial buildings for big industries like Coca Cola. Kuils River is birthplace of Herman Charles Bosman (3 February 1905); journalist, poet and author. He is one of South Africa's greatest short-story writers.
