Nestled within a natural amphitheatre shaped by the vertical cliffs of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain, lies Vrede en Lust Estate – home to the wines produced and bottled by the Buys-family. The history of Vrede en Lust Estate is a story of passion, vision and resurrection, which goes as far back as 1688, when Flemish merchant Jacques de Savoye arrived at the Cape with the French Huguenots. De Savoye immediately started improving the 60 morgen (55Ha) of land that starts at the Bergriver valley floor and runs up the eastern foothills of the majestic Simonsberg Mountain. More than 10 000 vines were planted by 1691, which grew to 80 000 by 1780. Since the De Savoye reign, Vrede en Lust Estate has changed hands a number of times and in 1996, when the Buys family became the 17th owners, they embarked on a programme of renewal to fully realise the exceptional winemaking potential of the land. Today this breathtakingly modern wine farm, a family owned and managed wine business, is a tribute to its noble roots and continues to build on over 320 years of history and heritage. Jacques De Savoye named the farm Vrede en Lust in 1688 derived from the Dutch meaning of ‘Peace and

Vrede and Lust is one of the most distinguished wine farms in the Boland region. With its magnificent location, majestic mountain backdrop and Cape Dutch architecture it is beautifully endowed to offer visitors an extraordinary experience. The Estate was established in 1688, when land stretching from the Berg River Valley floor upwards along the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain was assigned to a newly arrived French Huguenot. Today, Vrede en Lust is a modern family-owned wine-producing and hospitality enterprise, appropriately reflecting its name – Peace and Delight. Overnight guests are welcomed by personal hospitality and accommodation that caters for every taste – from the old-world mystique of the magnificent historic Manor House and Jonkmanshuis, to the ultra-chic elegance of modern Vineyard Suites. The Estate is also ideally suited for events such as wedding functions, conferences and product launches. Visitors have a choice of dining Poolside or enjoying the offerings of the sociable Bistro & Bakery. Cape Town International Airport is only 55 kilometres away, while the Estate is surrounded by a variety of wine routes and other exciting attractions.

Within short day-trips lie three celebrated Boland towns – Paarl, Stellenbosch and tourist mecca Franschhoek. Towards the sea, there’s all the magnificence of Cape Town with its awe-inspiring Table Mountain and Cape Point scenery, world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and ever-entertaining V & A Waterfront. Special attractions in and around Paarl are various historic sites, Pearl Valley Golf Club and delightful hiking and bird-watching opportunities in Paarl Mountain with its scenic mountain drive and imposing rock formations. The University town of Stellenbosch is a historic haven for relaxed wandering, while experiencing the charm of a bygone romantic era. Surrounding the town are some of SA’s most popular wine-tasting venues as well as magnificent golfing facilities. Widely known as SA’s Gourmet Capital, Franschhoek offers extraordinary cuisine amidst a French atmosphere. Its quaint main road is lined with restaurants that offer the finest foods for the most discerning tastes. Old Cape architecture, historic viewpoints and mountains towering above the Valley add to the magic.