Western Cape Wine Estate
Mel Wines
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At a glance
Region
Franschhoek
Established
2014
From Cape Town
64 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
The inside track
The estate
Mel Wines is a boutique Franschhoek winery located on the historic Klein Champagne farm, specializing in small-batch, estate-grown wines with a focus on rare Italian varietals like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.
Region: Franschhoek Posted: December 3, 2024
Tucked away on the outskirts of Franschhoek, one of South Africa’s most historic and charming wine towns, Mel Wines is a dream brought to life by René and Saskia Mellema. In 2014, they revitalized Klein Champagne, one of the valley’s oldest farms, transforming it into a boutique winery and private equestrian estate. Their journey blends a deep appreciation for wine, an expertise in global food and wine industries, and a love for nature’s quiet beauty. Mel Wines is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and passion, offering guests a unique glimpse into Franschhoek’s timeless allure.
Gallery
About
Wine
Mel Wines combines the old-world charm of Italian winemaking with the vibrant terroir of Franschhoek. Renowned for cultivating unique Italian varietals such as Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, the estate produces wines that showcase elegance, structure, and a distinctly South African flair. Each vintage is handcrafted with the same meticulous care as their champion horses, resulting in wines that embody grace and excellence. Visitors can enjoy these rare Italian gems—perfected through generations of tradition yet uniquely grown in the Franschhoek Valley.
Dining
While Mel Wines does not host an on-site restaurant, the surrounding Franschhoek village is a culinary paradise. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek offers an array of exceptional dining options, from fine dining establishments to quaint bistros that complement Mel Wines’ Italian-inspired vintages. Guests are encouraged to explore the valley’s famed restaurants, pairing regional cuisine with wines crafted nearby.
Experiences at Mel Wines
Mel Wines offers a variety of experiences from tastings to events.
Wine Tastings
Visitors are invited to step into the intimate Tasting Room at Klein Champagne for a curated experience. Here, guests can sip on the estate’s Italian varietals while taking in the serene surroundings and discovering the stories behind each handcrafted bottle.
Equestrian Estate
The estate is home to some of South Africa’s finest sport horses, offering guests the chance to witness the beauty and power of these animals. Though not a riding facility, the paddocks and training areas provide an inspiring view into the world of competitive equestrian sports. Horse enthusiasts will marvel at the grace of these majestic creatures.
Where to find us
Stay here
Stay at Mel Wines
Mel Wines (Klein Champagne Estate, Franschhoek) offers rustic yet refined farm-style cottages with mountain, vineyard and paddock views. Each cottage has modern comforts and private courtyards. Estate stay amenities noted on site include Wi-Fi, private patio/garden views, and panoramic mountain views.
Explore accommodation at Mel WinesAccommodation

Farm-style cottages (Klein Champagne)
Features
- rustic yet refined farm-style cottages
- views of mountains, vineyards and rolling paddocks
- private courtyards
- Wi-Fi
- private patio
- garden views
Rates on request
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View
Rates on request
More to explore
More estates in Franschhoek
Explore the region
Your guide to the Franschhoek Wine Valley
Explore Franschhoek with a day built around Mel Wines 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
Build a custom tour around Mel Wines
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