Investors looking to sink their teeth into a fabulous wine estate and tourism product will find excellent value in the R25 million to R35 million range in the Hermanus region wine routes such as Hemel-en-Aarde and the Bot River Wine Valley, says Paul Kruger, MD of Seeff Hermanus.
These areas offer an excellent alternative to the Winelands/Boland region and are high demand tourism routes attracting domestic and foreign visitors with attractions ranging from whale watching to the wine farms.
Hemel-en-Aarde offers the benefit of proximity to the ocean and spectacular vistas. The area specialises in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as other cultivars widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the finest in the New World.
The valley boasts more than 15 wine farms, many with spectacular views and wine tasting and restaurant facilities, and visitors are spoilt for choice with renowned farms such as Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Ataraxia, and Creation Wines to name just a few.
Mr Kruger says that we are only now beginning to see opportunities emerge to buy one of the fabulous wine farms in our area. Prices compare well given that you can find 60ha boutique wine farm with International industry-leading wines and state-of-the-art architectural design for R35 million.
The particular farm borders the Onrus River with a crystal-clear mountain stream and is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and fynbos. It has excellent water sources including water rights, dams, a borehole, and a treatment plant for domestic water use.
13ha is planted with superior quality, terroir-specific Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz and there is potential to extend this to around 21ha. The farm delivers produce to high profile local Elgin and Stellenbosch wineries.
There is a modern 730sqm architectural manor house with spacious living areas with fireplaces and a bar that leads out to an entertainment area and pool overlooking the vineyards. The kitchen has integrated appliances including built-in fridges. Downstairs is a large cellar with dining facilities. Additional features include two large home offices/studies, two double garages, security, and home automation. There is also a 450sqm barn/store and a 120sqm two-bedroomed staff flat.
Besides offering the potential to add additional houses and develop a tasting room and restaurant product, the facilities are also suited to adding a wine production facility, says, says Mr Kruger.
In the Bot River Wine Region, you can find a 20ha wine farm for R25 million, adds Mr Kruger. Bot River is just over an hour from Cape Town and the farm is just off the N2 close to the village. The farm offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and wheat fields. The Bot River flows along the eastern boundary and is one of the water sources for domestic and irrigation purposes.
It has a fully equipped winery, producing about 22 000 bottles of wine annually including Verdelho, Semillon, a Syrah-Mourve'dre blend, a Merlot and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and Nebbiolo. About 60 000 bottles are in stock and 30 000 litres still in barrels. 22 000 bottles are included in the sale price.
Additional facilities include a cellar with restaurant and wine-tasting facilities, sales office, restaurant, three-bedroomed house, and seven cottages. All buildings and surrounding gardens are in immaculate condition with profitable running concerns.
