Roggeland Country House

An hour east of Cape Town is the Cape Winelands, a beautiful area of hills and fertile valleys. Viticulture began here in the 17th century as Huguenot settlers brought their knowledge from northern Europe.

Roggeland is a delightful and historic country house surrounded by the vineyards of the Dal Josaphat Valley under the spectacular peaks of the Drakenstein Mountains. The main house is a national monument constructed in the 18th century and while you have a sense that you are "tucked away" in a beautiful little corner of the Winelands while Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and any number of vineyards and wineries are literally on your doorstep.

Roggeland is run by the Minkley family who manage to combine the creation of a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with very high standards and their restaurant, originally the kitchen of the manor house, has an excellent reputation with herbs and vegetables grown in their own garden, meals being accompanied by a glorious selection of local estate bottled wines.

The rooms are furnished and decorated in classic style and the yellowwood ceilings and deep casement windows reflect the original Cape Dutch architecture. Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek each has a charming character with carefully preserved buildings, and estate houses with a mix of European and Cape Dutch architecture can be found tucked away throughout the area. One can spend two or three days exploring the Winelands, enjoying wine tasting independently or with a guide. Between visits there are numerous fine restaurants, golf courses and other pursuits.

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