Vrede En Lust.....The
history of Vrede en Lust is a story of passion, vision and resurrection.
The first owner was Flemish merchant Jacques de Savoye who arrived at
the Cape in the company of the French Huguenots and contributed greatly
to the development of the Drakenstein valley. In its second century,
during the wine boom at the Cape, Vrede en Lust acquired a manor house,
a 'jonkershuis' and a wine cellar in the elegant Cape Dutch
architectural style. In the third century the farm was sold to one of
the most illustrious dynasties in the fledging deciduous fruit industry
and many of the vineyards were converted to orchards.
 |
Another era of
vital transformation commenced in 1996, when software entrepreneur
Dana Buys became the 17th owner, he embarked on a programme of
renewal to realise the exceptional winemaking potential of the land.
Vrede en Lust today is a tribute to its noble roots and a
magnificent addition to the South African wine industry. |
The manor house can now be
rented as a unit by discerning guests who seeks a unique experience..
The historic cellar hosts
upmarket weddings and celebrations. The new 35 000 case winery and
tasting complex, designed by Malherbe Rust architects from Paarl and
completed in 2002, was built just inside the entrance gate. The
functions centre, which seats up to 48 delegates and forms part of the
tasting complex, opens onto a private balcony with panoramic views of
the surrounding mountains and vineyards. The underground tasting room ,
overlooking the maturation cellar below, is ideal for private tastings
or even dinners.
The little 'Pierre Simond'
cottage has been turned into a cosy restaurant. In addition to a range
of cheese platters, light meals and picnic hampers, the Cotage Fromage
also sells speciality olive oil, cheeses and other regional deli
products.
|
