STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – An aerial view of Jordan Wine Estate. This iconic destination seamlessly combines the art of winemaking, culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that deeply engages the senses and creates a memorable impact.

In the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Jordan Wine Estate epitomizes the region’s abundance of riches. Not only is the winery (or wine farm as they are called in South Africa) among the most acclaimed in Stellenbosch, but it’s also home to a world-class restaurant. And for those seeking the ultimate winelands getaway, Jordan Wine Estate offers some of the most sought-after accommodation in the area. This iconic destination seamlessly combines the art of winemaking, culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality, creating an immersive experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Discover for yourself why Jordan Wine Estate is the place to visit in Stellenbosch.

Jordan Wine Estate is a family-owned winery well-known for making exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

The Winery and Wines

Jordan Wine Estate is a family-owned winery well-known for making exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. What sets Jordan Wine Estate apart is its unique location and landscape. The estate’s slopes not only face the warmer north and west but also the cooler south and east directions, with vineyards lying at altitudes between 160 and 410 meters above sea level. This multifaceted orientation permits a wide variety of microclimates, which in turn allows the cultivation of an impressive range of grape varieties.

Furthermore, the estate’s proximity to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans provides an additional layer of complexity to the terroir. The vineyards also reap the benefits of coastal fog and cool breezes, which help to moderate temperatures and ensure a slow, even ripening process. The result: grapes with excellent purity and balance, which translate into wines of exceptional quality.

But don’t take my word for it. The best way to discover Jordan’s unparalleled assets in terms of landscape and location is to see (and taste!) them for yourself by going on a 360° tour of the vineyards. Just one of the activities offered by the winery, this exclusive vineyard and cellar experience takes you on a guided tour through the vineyards in an open safari-style game viewing Land Rover. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of False and Table Bays, as you sip and savor some of Jordan’s top vintages. Or do a guided wine tasting under the cover of ancient trees overlooking the lake (you might just catch a glimpse of a rare Cape chameleon in the bushes).

Jordan’s wine portfolio is diverse and impressive, offering something for every palate, including chenin, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and Syrah. Each wine varietal shows off the nuances and personality of the terroir to its fullest. Two especially notable wine lines from Jordan are the Sophia and Timepiece. The Sophia is a premium Bordeaux-style blend named after the legendary mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Deeply layered, this wine offers an opulent finish. Timepiece wines highlight Jordan’s heritage, featuring only single-vineyard varietals from vines over 35 years old.

The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a culinary gem.

The Restaurant

The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a culinary masterpiece. The skillful chef Ferreira, replacing former chef George Jardine, provides guests an unparalleled formal dining experience with an immaculate blend of outstanding flavors. The tasting menu is a parade of the latest, tastefully delicious farm cuisine enhanced with supreme flavors, structures, and techniques. The dishes are so elegantly presented, it leaves you wondering if Ferreira was a painter in his previous life. With the availability of an open kitchen, you can witness first hand Ferreira’s zeal for food as he prepares your meal. Unexpected color and texture mixes and inventive plating techniques contribute to visually appealing masterpieces that are almost too lovely to eat. Almost.

Savor dishes such as the excellently cooked seared yellowfin tuna adorned with lumpfish roe and escabeche. The sous vide springbok loin offers unimaginable tenderness, the pleasure of which can make you emotional. And the chocolate marquise, topped with malted fudge caramel sauce, will be something you’ll reminisce for weeks after the feast. For a heightened dining experience, opt for the wine pairing and entrust your taste buds to sommelier Richard Chitukutuku. His carefully selected wines and real hospitality will enhance what is already an ideal meal.

So, what could possibly make this meal any better? Leave it to Jordan to take things up a notch with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows (in summer, the windows slide fully open) that guests can look through to take in sunset over a lake hugged by undulating vineyards and the tranquil beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful and the vista makes for an ideal meal companion.

For a truly immersive stay in Stellenbosch, you’d do well to book a couple of nights at Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites, which overlook the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains.

The Accommodation

For a truly immersive stay in Stellenbosch, you’d do well to book a couple of nights at Jordan Wine Estate’s luxury suites, which overlook the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains. Tucked away discretely among the natural mountain fynbos of the region, you’re just steps from the winery and restaurant — though you’ll feel like you are miles away hidden in a verdant oasis. In fact, Jordan Wine Estate belongs to the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its amazing biodiversity. This region, despite being the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, boasts an exceptional array of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.

The comforts inside are just as inviting as the beauty outside. Large rooms with king-size beds, high-quality Egyptian cotton bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows make up each unique suite to guarantee a memorable and luxurious stay. A number of suites feature a soaking tub, wood-burning fireplace with firewood provided, and a separate lounge area. Every room has a private veranda for you to enjoy the provided bottle of Jordan wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery of vineyards and mountains. This is a place to truly immerse yourself in the serene uniqueness of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region.