Explore The Riches Of Jordan Wine Estate In Stellenbosch, South Africa

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.

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 Restaurant

The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a culinary gem. Talented chef Ferreira (who took over from chef George Jardine) offers guests an incredible formal dining experience with flawless flavors perfectly executed. The tasting menu showcases contemporary, enticingly scrumptious farm cuisine with outstanding flavors, textures and techniques. So beautiful are the dishes that you’ll wonder if Ferreira was an artist in another life. The open kitchen concept means that you can easily see for yourself Ferreira’s passion for food as he prepares your meal. Surprising color and texture combinations and and playful plating techniques create visually stunning masterpieces that almost look too good to eat. Almost.

Enjoy dishes like seared yellowfish tuna immaculately prepared with lumpfish roe and escabeche. The sous vide springbok loin is so tender it will bring tears to your eyes. And the chocolate marquise with caramelized miso fudge sauce will be something you dream about for weeks after the meal. To take your dining experience to another level, spring for the wine pairing; then sit back and leave your palate in the knowledgeable hands of sommelier Richard Chitukutuku. His thoughtful wine selections and genuine hospitality will elevate what is already an extraordinary 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.

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 rooms are just as welcoming as your exterior surroundings. With large interiors, king-size beds with fine Egyptian cotton linens and floor-to-ceiling windows, each suite is distinctively designed to ensure your stay is as indulgent as it is unforgettable. Many of the suites also come with a soaker tub, wood-burning fireplace (complete with firewood) and separate lounge area. Each room also has its own private veranda, where you can savor your complimentary bottle of Jordan wine and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains as you lose yourself in the tranquility of South Africa’s singular Stellenbosch region.