Hidden away in The Library at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is something you won't find anywhere else on earth: the world's first dedicated fine water tasting room. Step inside and a certified water sommelier — one of only two in South Africa — pours you six rare still and sparkling waters drawn from volcanic springs, ancient glaciers and rainforest fog across the globe. For 45 minutes, you'll discover how a water's source and minerals give it a taste, texture and character all of its own.
It sounds improbable — tasting water like wine — but that's precisely the point. This is water treated with the same reverence as a grand cru, and once you've done it, you'll never glance at a bottle the same way again.
The world's first, in the heart of the Cape Winelands
The Library is a quiet, book-lined room on historic Lanzerac, one of Stellenbosch's oldest estates, founded in 1692. Here, Nico Pieterse — South Africa's first certified water sommelier and founder of The Fine Water Company — has assembled a "Fine Water Library" of premium waters from every corner of the planet. Each bottle is sourced, described and sipped like a story: filtered through underground aquifers, ancient glaciers or volcanic rock, and naturally imbued with the minerals that give it a distinct terroir in every drop.
What you'll experience
A guided flight of six hand-selected waters — half still, half sparkling — led by Nico. You'll learn to read each one the way a sommelier reads a wine: by appearance, aroma, taste and mouthfeel.
- Rare waters from across the globe — from a naturally sparkling volcanic spring in Armenia to a 15,000-year-old Danish source and the award-winning Three Bays from Australia.
- Still and sparkling flights — discovering what gives each water its flavour, texture and character.
- Fascinating stories — including a 200,000-year-old Norwegian glacial water and a Colombian water harvested from rainforest fog.
- Tips to take home — so you'll never look at a bottle of water the same way again.
The waters you'll taste
Every water in the flight carries the story of its place. You might sample:
- ISKLD, Denmark — drawn from a source roughly 15,000 years old, remarkably soft and pure.
- Jermuk, Armenia — naturally carbonated by a volcanic spring, with a distinctive mineral edge.
- Socosani, Peru — volcanic high-altitude water from the Andes.
- Three Bays, Australia — an award-winning mineral water from a single Australian aquifer.
- A Norwegian glacial water — locked in ice for some 200,000 years before it reaches your glass.
- A Colombian fog water — harvested from rainforest mist rather than a spring.
Each reveals layers of subtle flavour — a citrus zing, an iron earthiness, a round mouthfeel, a delicate effervescence — that most of us never knew water could have.
Why we love it
"I went in sceptical and came out amazed. Every water tasted completely different, and Nico makes it fun, surprising and genuinely fascinating. It's the perfect addition to a day of wine tasting in Stellenbosch." — Quinton, Wine in the Cape
Good to know
- Location: The Library, Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: R350 per person
- Open: daily, 09:30–19:30, by reservation only
- Groups: private group tastings available on request
- Ideal for: wine lovers, curious foodies, couples and small groups
Want to add wine or spirits?
This is just the beginning. We can also arrange wine and water pairings, as well as brandy and whisky pairings, where you'll discover how the right water transforms the flavour of your glass. Those packages carry their own pricing and will follow soon — for now, simply get in touch and we'll tailor the experience to you.
Book your fine water tasting
Fine water tasting at Lanzerac is R350 per person and runs daily by reservation. Message Wine in the Cape and we'll secure your table at The Library — and, if you like, build a full day of wine tasting in Stellenbosch around it.
