Mooiplaas Wine Estate in Stellenbosch Exudes Humble Heritage
Established in 1806, Mooiplaas wine estate in Stellenbosch is my 128th farm visit out of 800. "Mooiplaas" means "beautiful farm" in Afrikaans and the tasting room is virtually unchanged from when it was a cattle shed way back in the 1800s. It's quite a throwback experience.
The farm is located quite centrally in Cape Town just off the Bottelary road in Stellenbosch, about a 30-minute drive from the city. The tasting room is quite small so I would not recommend children and to rather come in groups no larger than 4. However, if it is a sunny day, there is a nice outside area too which could accommodate larger groups and children.
"One of the most striking features of Mooiplaas is the uneven terrain, from the meadows on the valley floor to the watershed on top of the hills. These topographical contrasts result in interesting differences in the microclimate."
The vines are planted on hilly terrain with the highest point of the estate being 370m above sea level and the lowest around 135m above sea level (a difference of 235m on one estate).
I was lucky enough to go on a 4 x 4 drive through the vineyards with winemaker Bertus Basson. There is a beautiful panoramic view over the Cape Peninsula, with False Bay to the left and Table Bay to the right.
Wine Tasting at Mooiplaas
The wine list is quite extensive and the wines sell for around R70 for the value wines and go up to R450 for the premium wines. Booking is not essential however always advised. Cheese platters and coffee is available at this farm too.
The wines that really stood out for me was the Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Noir and Tabakland Cabernet Sauvignon. Only the free-run juice was used for the Sauvignon Blanc having spent only three hours skin contact. I am not usually a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc but this wine made me think of granny smith apples and lemongrass as opposed to the pungent asparagus or green pepper profile I am not such a huge fan of.
The Watershed Pinot Noir went through Spontaneous malolactic fermentation and spent 9 months in oak. An excellent balance of fruit and forest floor/mushrooms.
The Tabakland is very special as this is a 100% Cabernet from Stellenbosch. "Tabakland" is a reference to "Tobacco land" as before the vineyards, once stood tobacco until 1992. The Pinotage spent 18 months in French Oak barrels and only the very best 4 barrels were selected for this wine. The absolute minimum intervention was needed so there is a trace of natural sediment - a wine to be matured and decanted for sure!
Accommodation
There are two self-catering units available at Mooiplaas wine farm. To enquire contact: E-mail: info@mooiplaas.co.za (Attention Janine Roos)
In conclusion
I had a lovely experience at Mooiplaas. If you are thinking of visiting, this winery is great for rainy or sunny days, smaller groups of people and not so much for children. Picnics, cheese platters, coffee, hiking trails, horse riding and bike riding can be arranged. inquire at the farm.
Contact Mooiplaas Tasting Room
Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch, 7600 | GPS Coordinates S: 33.55.16 E: 018.44.21
021 200 7493 • info@mooiplaas.co.za
Outside of SA: tjroos@mooiplaas.co.za
Opening hours
Monday – Friday • 09:00 – 16:30
Saturdays • 10:00 – 16:00
Sundays and public holidays • 10:30 – 15:30