“Rust en Vrede is recommended as the number one Vineyard in Cape Town. Rust en Vrede is highlighted for its rich history of more than 300 years in winemaking at the Stellenbosch estate as well as for its portfolio of robust reds.”
The official date on the Title Deed of Rust en Vrede is March 12th, 1694. The property was granted by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. The Cape Dutch buildings on the property date back to 1780, and today, they all have National Monument status. They are living history, used on a daily basis – I still live in the Manor house where I grew up, and the original winery is now the Rust en Vrede Restaurant.
My parents, Jannie and Ellen, acquired Rust en Vrede in 1977 and immediately embarked on a full restoration of the Estate. First, they restored and equipped the original winery, and in 1978 my father made the first vintage of the modern era. An extensive vineyard re-planting also took place, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Over the years, our wines have gone from strength to strength, and today I am fortunate to work with a team like ours and privileged to call Rust en Vrede my home.
Jean Engelbrecht
Proprietor
Rust en Vrede Estate lies south of Stellenbosch, approximately 15km from False Bay. The property is nestled on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain between 85m and 130m above sea level, with a view on Table Mountain to the West. Vineyards are situated on North facing slopes, with a small portion of North-East and North-West facing slopes that provide subtle nuances in aspect. Shielded from the powerful South-Easterly wind by the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, and protected from the South-Westerly wind off the Atlantic by the foothills of the Helderberg, Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area, which is why we specialise in reds, particularly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties lend themselves to full bodied wines with powerful structure and excellent ageing potential.
Our focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah allows us to produce the highest quality, full bodied wines that reflect our Stellenbosch terroir. All our wines are Estate grown, made and bottled
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Our tasting room is open seven days a week, where you can taste our full range of wines. Tastings are presented by knowledgeable staff. Informal tours of our underground cellar are available on request, and a winemaker’s lunch is available between 12-3pm.
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Since opening in 2007, the Rust en Vrede Restaurant has shaped the way we think about wine and food. Set in the historic cellar, our aim is to show guests how a dining experience can be heightened by the combination of outstanding wine with excellent food.
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