Western Cape Wine Estate
Meerlust Wine Estate
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At a glance
Region
Stellenbosch
Established
1756
From Cape Town
32 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
The inside track
The estate
Meerlust Estate is a historic Stellenbosch landmark, renowned for its world-class Rubicon blend and eight generations of winemaking excellence.
Stellenbosch
For over two centuries, Meerlust Wine Estate has upheld its reputation for producing exceptional wines, making it a source of great pride for the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, Hannes Myburgh, the eighth-generation custodian of this seventeenth-century national monument, continues the family's traditional commitment to the art of winemaking.
Nestled fifteen kilometres south of Stellenbosch, Meerlust boasts a historic manor house, a timeless wine cellar, a family cemetery, a dovecote, and a bird sanctuary. Its location places it just five kilometres from the blue crescent of False Bay. Wines produced at Meerlust exclusively come from grapes grown on the estate, which benefits from a unique position for cultivating wines with exceptional complexity and character.
During the summer months, ocean breezes and evening mists roll in from the nearby coast, imparting a cooling effect on the vineyards. This slower ripening process allows the grapes to develop full, concentrated varietal flavours. The predominantly deep, well-drained Hutton and Clovelly soil types further contribute to the vines' drought resistance and provide an ideal foundation for producing concentrated and intricate wines.
Gallery
About
Wine
Meerlust Wine Estate has gained renown for its impressive range of fine red wines, along with a notable Chardonnay. Among its portfolio, the flagship wine is the Rubicon red blend. The inspiration for Rubicon came from Nico Myburgh, Hannes Myburgh's father and a true wine visionary, during a visit to Bordeaux, where he recognized similarities between the terroir of the Eerste River Valley and that of Bordeaux.
Unlike the Western Cape's focus on specific grape varieties, Bordeaux excelled in crafting exceptional blends. Filled with inspiration, Nico returned to Meerlust and embarked on years of experimentation, driven by his desire to create a blend that could rival those from the French region. In 1980, he unveiled his creation: Rubicon. Comprising 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this blend introduced a new style of wine to South Africa, and its success has become part of the estate's storied history.
Dining
While Meerlust does not feature an on-site restaurant, Stellenbosch, a bustling town renowned for its culinary offerings, is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes away by car.
Wine Tasting
Experience the exceptional wines produced by Meerlust through a wine tasting session. Sample their range of wines, including their renowned Bordeaux blend, the Meerlust Rubicon. Learn about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine.
Explore more
Wine Tastings
Delve into the winemaking process with a cellar tour. Explore the winery and learn about the production techniques employed at Meerlust. Get insights into the fermentation, aging, and blending processes that result in their exceptional wines.
Heritage Tours
Explore the rich history of Meerlust with a heritage tour. Visit the historic manor house, which dates back to the 18th century, and learn about the family and their winemaking legacy. Discover the estate's architectural features and artifacts that showcase its heritage.
Where to find us
More to explore
More estates in Stellenbosch
Explore the region
Your guide to the Stellenbosch Wine Valley
Explore Stellenbosch with a day built around Meerlust Wine Estate and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
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