Meerlust Wine Estate Stellenbosch: A Rich History and Award-Winning Wines
Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re visiting Meerlust Wine Estate Stellenbosch, located along the beautiful Eat and Sleep Wine Route in Stellenbosch. As we drove in, Grape Priels appeared on our left, while a lovely dam stretched out to the right, adding to the serene atmosphere.
For more information about the estate, visit Meerlust Wine Estate’s website.
A Rich History at Meerlust
As we explored the estate, we came across a small, historic graveyard. Large gravestones from earlier generations of the Myburgh family stand proudly there. Meerlust Wine Estate, established in 1693 as a general farm, became a wine estate in 1757 when the first Myburgh family member purchased the property. Today, the eighth generation of the Myburgh family continues to manage the estate and produce some of the finest wines in South Africa.
A Tradition of Crafting Quality Wines
Meerlust Wine Estate spans 225 hectares and produces around 300,000 bottles of wine annually. The estate focuses mainly on red wines, while sparkling wines are not part of their offering. Their reds have earned an outstanding reputation for quality, making them a favorite among wine lovers.
Heritage and Preservation at Meerlust
The estate’s buildings are classified as heritage sites, meaning the Myburgh family must seek approval from the Heritage Foundation for any changes or upgrades. However, they are happy with the estate’s current state, as the antique charm provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Where to Find Meerlust Wines
The estate exports 50% of its wines, with the rest sold locally. You can also enjoy Meerlust wines at various restaurants throughout South Africa.
Europe Capreo manages the international distribution, sending Meerlust wines to Europe and the USA. Over the years, the estate has earned several prestigious awards, cementing its status as one of the top wine producers in South Africa.
The Rubicon Wine: A Must-Try
The Rubicon, Meerlust’s flagship wine, stands out as one of their most popular offerings. Known as the home of Rubicon Bordeaux, the estate has perfected this wine over the years. It combines a slight sweetness with dryness and a touch of bitterness. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with rich, complex flavors.
Visiting Meerlust Wine Estate
Meerlust Wine Estate welcomes smaller groups for wine tastings. The estate is closed on Sundays but open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. They are also closed on certain public holidays.
Meerlust Wine Prices
- Rubicon 2022: R590 per bottle
- Rubicon 2018: R660 per bottle
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: R490 per bottle
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2013: R790 per bottle
- Estate Red 2021: R250 per bottle
- Pinot Noir 2023: R395 per bottle
- Chardonnay 2023: R375 per bottle
- Magnums:
- Rubicon 2017 in Tin: R1440 per bottle
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 in Tin: R1055 per bottle
- Estate Red 2022: R545 per bottle
Please note that wine prices may change without prior notice.
Final Thoughts
Angelique and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Meerlust Wine Estate. We wholeheartedly recommend adding this remarkable estate to your wine tour list. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and outstanding wines, Meerlust offers a memorable experience that should not be missed.
For a look at our previous wine tour experience, check out our visit to Deux Frères Stellenbosch Winery.
Have a great day!
