Vrede en Lust Wine Estate in Franschhoek is Foodie Paradise
Vrede en Lust is a fabulous place to visit if you are a foodie who loves Lindt Chocolate! If you're not particularly into chocolate, then it may be the history of this estate that enchants you.
The estate was established in 1688 and did you know that the left wing of the Lust bistro was the original house, plus the fireplace oven still burns making delicious bread!
Vrede en Lust means "Peace and Delight/Eagerness" and today has a modern 750-ton wine cellar with tasting room, 100ha of vineyards, LUST Bistro & Bakery, a 21-room accommodation and conference facility as well as a historic wedding venue with beautiful gardens.
Vrede en Lust Wine Tasting
There are various food and wine pairings at the tasting room. I opted for the very delicious Lindt chocolate and wine pairing for R120. It was amazing value for money with 3 white wines, 3 red wines and 6 squares of Lindt Chocolate.
If you're not into the "sweet stuff" perhaps you will enjoy the Dalewood cheese pairing which is also R120 for 6 pairings. Alternatively try the "Premium Tasting" at R70 per person or the "Black Label Tasting" at R95 per person which is wine only. Then you can order cheese / charcuterie platters and even pizzas from the bistro.
The range of wine on offer at Vrede en Lust is extensive, so you will be spoilt for choice. I particularly enjoyed the wines below - a Riesling, Rose and some great red blends all ranging from around R90 - R240 a bottle. The winemaker is Karlin Nel - Karlin was appointed in October 2017 as Cellarmaster at this estate at the age of 25, the youngest female winemaker in South Africa at the time. If you want to check out their wines visit: https://www.vnl.co.za/wines/
Lust Bistro & Bakery
Visiting a restaurant during a pandemic is always something different but all safety protocols were adhered to. Lust Bistro is run from one of the oldest buildings on the estate and still has the original wood-fired oven where fresh bread is baked daily.
The hospitality is fantastic, we were warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic Maritsa. If you have trouble deciding what to eat and drink, fret not, the staff are well trained and very professional.
The Patron Chef is Jean Pierre Smith who takes pride in his artisanal wood-fired bread and Sunday buffet slow-cooked roasts. Booking is definitely essential.
There is free Wi-Fi available and what's great is that the bistro opens super early at 07h30 so you can enjoy breakfast and catch up on work at the same time ;)
CLICK HERE to view the Lust Bistro and Bakery menu. I particularly enjoyed the burger but there are many other options for any palate.
There is an indoor and outdoor section, both of which are very pleasant. I quite like that the restaurant has screens between tables.
Vrede en Lust Accommodation & Weddings
I am personally glad that I have actually attended a wedding at this estate. It is truly magical with the ceremony on the grass and the reception in a glass walled building. The views are spectacular!
The accommodation is super luxurious with the cheapest rooms going for R2500 a night ranging up to the manor house (sleeps 8) for R32 400 a night.
Overall
This is a truly romantic estate that is stooped in history. I would really recommend this winery for small or large groups, winter or summer, kids or no kids. If you're visiting Franschhoek, why not book the Franschhoek wine tram and make this your first stop!
Contact Vrede en Lust
+27 (0)21 874 1611
Note - All covid-19 regulations were adhered to during my visit. Images were taken before alcohol was banned.