The Cape Winelands is known for its world-class wineries, restaurants and stunning beauty. Now visitors can add remarkable art experiences at these seven estates to their must-do list.
The clipped vines on this Franschhoek estate frame one of the valley’s most impressive art destinations. Overnight guests are in for a particular treat, with the Manor House and estate cottages filled with notable works, but day trippers are also welcome at the Everard Read Leeu Estates gallery. It is the winelands address of South Africa’s oldest commercial art gallery, founded in Johannesburg in 1913. The focus here is on works of scale, and do make sure to explore the sculpture scattered in the gardens.
Diamond magnate Laurence Graff exhibits dozens of works from his private collection at this manicured estate atop the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch. Sculptures by Anton Smit and Dylan Lewis are nestled amid the lush estate gardens, while the Wine Lounge and restaurants are graced with works by the likes of William Kentridge and Deborah Bell. Though the Owner’s Villa and luxury lodges are filled with more unique pieces, the highlight for many is found just inside the front doors of the cellar. Here the original ‘Chinese Girl’ by Vladimir Tretchikoff, bought for £1 million and returned to South Africa in 2013, rests on an easel for all to enjoy.
If it’s sculpture you’re after, pop across the road to La Motte, where a weekly guided Sculpture Walk takes in 11 of the estate’s most notable works, including the dramatic Wine Bearer that greets visitors on arrival. Next pay a visit to the impressive museum dedicated to Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, widely considered South Africa’s finest landscape artist. Museum curator Elzette de Beer is also available for guided tours of the Threads of Synergy exhibition, which unravels the origins and artistry of South African tapestry.
Over the past decade Boschendal has evolved into a multi-faceted Winelands destination, and in February an art gallery added to the already considerable reasons to pay a visit. Housed in the estate’s original Cape Dutch manor house the gallery is a collaboration with the Norval Foundation, which curates an ever-changing roster of exhibitions focused on contemporary South African art. Admission is free, with guided walk-throughs available.
Across the road from Delaire Graff, TOKARA combines superlative views of the Cape Winelands with an impressive collection of local works, and owners GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira are avid art collectors known for supporting up-and-coming creatives. The compact gallery is complemented by a wonderful outdoor sculpture garden linking the elegant tasting room and restaurant with the more family-friendly TOKARA Deli.
While thoroughbred horses and fine dining are the obvious highlights of this family-owned estate, many visitors are happily surprised to discover the 600-square-metre Cavalli Gallery situated underground alongside the tasting room. The gallery draws architectural inspiration from the Cy Twombly Gallery in Houston, Texas, but the art on offer is proudly South African. The main exhibition space hosts an ever-changing roster of contemporary works by local creatives, while the Cavalli Estate Private Collection is a permanent exhibition of iconic South African artists.
Mannings Heath may be making waves in West Sussex, but it’s at Benguela Cove in South Africa that British-South African entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE first invested in the world of wine. The estate is home to a charming art gallery displaying works by 30 South African artists, while the sculpture park overlooking the Bot River Lagoon hosts works by acclaimed sculptor Anton Smit. Each is displayed with a poem or snippet of verse that delves deeper into the artist’s inspiration for the piece. Alongside the sculptures, Benguela Cove offers restaurants, wine tasting, cellar tours and lagoon cruises.
