Our Vineyards

Vineyards & Viticulture

The vineyards are farmed as naturally as possible, micromanaged to nurture each vine to its full potential.

– Winemaker

The vineyards at Benguela Cove are unique. Basked in sunshine yet cooled by maritime winds, Benguela Cove proudly boasts some of the most sought-after terroirs in the Western Cape. Dedicated to the craft of allowing each wine to tell its own story, only estate-grown grapes are used to encapsulate this quintessential cool climate.

The story of our vineyards is told from the roots up. Our vines are thoroughly adjusted to the marginal conditions close to the sea, anchored in diverse soil types and on different elevations, that in turn create various microclimates to harbor different varieties. Exposed to the wrath of the stormy Cape, the wind is also our friend, keeping the vines healthy and cool. The estate is planted with a variety of red and white wine cultivars, as well as various clones thereof to create a diverse winemaking canvas.

Vineyards & Terroir

Location: Our vineyards are located a mere 2.7m above sea level. Where Walker Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, between Cape Town and Hermanus, on Cape Coast of South Africa.

Vines: Planted around 2003, with Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

Soil: Chalk | Sandstone | Iron Rich Cobblestone | Quartz | Cape Granit | Bokkeveld Shale

Sustainable Vineyards & Wine Tourism

Benguela Cove is committed to sustainability and we focus on natural processes and emerging green technologies that can restore the precious Cape Winelands ecosystems. Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is a leading South African ecotourism wine destination. It is located in the UNESCO designated Kogelberg Biosphere. Benguela Cove is committed to the standards recommended by Wines of South Africa (WoSA) and its Sustainable Wine South Africa (SWSA) programme.

We are committed to the WOSA #Hannuwa initiative:

• To farm sustainably
• To be a custodian of the land and preserve it for our future generations
• To nurture a culture of respect among the people who work with us on our farms and in our cellars
• To promote an environment of dignity, equality and upliftment for all
• To protect the unique and valuable biodiversity of our winelands
• To safeguard the rich heritage of South Africa’s winelands

How you can contribute to WWF and Sustainable Wines of GB? Simply enjoy great food, wine and experiences with conservation champions like Benguela Cove.

Our UK Vineyards

Our UK Vineyards have equally interesting and unique stories.

UK’s First Golf & Wine Estate

To bring the much-celebrated South African wine farm experience to the UK, the Streeter family purchased Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate in West Sussex and planted 37 acres of vineyards for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sparkling varietals. Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate will produce its first vintage of Estate English Sparkling wine in 2023.  

The UK’s First Pinotage Vineyard

The next acquisition was Grade I Listed Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in 2018, just three miles away from Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate, where with estate manager Adam Streeter has created the first commercial Pinotage vineyard in the UK – a new wine tourism destination, with an exciting programme of annual events.   

Our wines are available both at the cellar doors and online shops. We deliver nationwide. Find a supplier near you.  

Our sister estates are members of WineGB, and Sustainable Wines of Great Britain. WineGB recognises that our industry has a shared responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment and maximise our contribution to environmental conservation and biodiversity.  

Members work with nature to maintain the highest level of grape and wine quality, and undertake to: 

• Secure environmental sustainability at the heart of UK wine production 
• Manage vineyards sustainably, with minimal pesticide and fertiliser inputs 
• Reduce water and non-renewable energy consumption, and minimise carbon footprint 
• Protect vineyard soils, conserve the environment and promote biodiversity