It's one thing finding a restaurant like the Fig Tree nestled within a nature reserve, comfortable lounge, and a seasonal a la carte menu; now add a comprehensive wine list bursting with local estates and your nature-inspired getaway becomes a wine exploration.
From Stellenbosch and Walker Bay to neighbouring Cape Agulhas, De Hoop's cellar boasts wines from over twenty-five estates. While striving to provide guests with exciting vintages, supporting the local economy by showcasing mostly Overberg wines is imperative to the team.
“While perhaps not previously seen as one of the traditional and well known wine producing areas of the Western Cape, the Overberg region does produce a very large number of stunning wines. We, at De Hoop, are very happy to showcase as many of these exceptional quality wines as possible and play our part in ensuring that our local wine estates are indeed comparable with any region in South Africa”. - Graham Atkinson, Food and Beverage Manager at De Hoop
With the Elim Wine Route on the reserve's doorstep, supporting local is as easy as popping out to the neighbours, and guests are encouraged to explore the route as part of their travels to and from De Hoop. Wines produced in the region are born from the winds blowing across the seas, the diverse soils, cool temperatures, and brilliant sunlight that characterise the region. Connoisseurs can watch for fruity berry flavours in the crisp wines produced.
Of course, even the wines at De Hoop have to share the stage with the biggest attraction - whale season which sees guests and visitors travelling out for some spectacular whale watching from the vantage point of the sand dunes. Both are showcased at the annual Wine, Whales and Music weekend held in September, a not to be missed weekend and a calendar favourite.
Whether you come for the whales, or wine, De Hoop Collection provides an all-round wine lover’s escape.