It’s been a while since I enjoyed an accommodation stay. Happily, in March 2022, I visited the beautiful Knorhoek Wine Farm for a relaxing getaway with my little cat.
This family-friendly estate is one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands and lies situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. (Right next door to the fancy Quoin Rock Wine Estate, which shares the same Ukrainian owners as Knorhoek.)
Knorhoek Wine Farm offers everything from tranquil accommodation to lovely wedding venues.
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway into the heart of Stellenbosch farmlands and nature, this magical wine farm accommodation offering is for you.
Escape to the Stellenbosch Winelands with Knorhoek Wine Farm
What makes Knorhoek Wine Farm so unique is that it manages to maintain the perfect blend of modernity and Cape charm.
Everything from the vast grounds – adorned with trees and flowers aplenty – to the beautiful accommodation makes this estate the perfect escape for solo travellers, couples and families alike.
I really love what the owners have done with Knorhoek and Quoin Rock respectively.
They have managed to provide luxury on a budget – and cutting-edge splendour metres down the road from each other.
Quoin Rock is undoubtedly known for its lavish experiences and heftier prices.
Knorhoek, meanwhile, caters to all budgets. Yet, importantly, still provides the same quality and professionalism.
Knorhoek Wine Farm: Country Tranquility at Its Finest
As I edged up the long drive to Knorhoek, past mature trees and blooming rosebushes, I breathed easier. The country tranquility at Knorhoek is instantly felt.
Maybe it’s the charming buildings or the way the mountains peep through, rising above the vast trees. Maybe it’s the way the birdsong and companionable conversation fill the air – the only sounds breaking the reverent stillness.
Whatever it is, Knorhoek Wine Farm is country living at its finest.
In addition to their guesthouse accommodation, they also have a sunny wine tasting area overlooking the fields and cobbled courtyard, as well as lovely MTB- or hiking-trails to enjoy.
Other on-site activities to enjoy include swimming in their gorgeous, natural-style pool; birdwatching; vineyard walks; picnics; garden rock pool and jungle gym for kiddies; tennis and catch-and-release fishing (by arrangement only).
Usually, they also have a restaurant on-site too but at the time of my visit, it was about to undergo renovations. It is unclear when these upgrades will be finalised. Although they can still cater to functions and parties at this relaxed garden venue.
At present, guests can enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse (included in your room stay) and visit Quoin Rock’s Gåte Restaurant for lunch and dinner. Please be sure to book ahead though.
Alternatively, if you bring your own food and snacks with, you can have meals in your room. (Please just keep it tidy and don’t mess on the furniture or carpets.)
As for the accommodation, their guesthouse offers a mix of standard rooms and country suites.
There are also two stunning country cottages available for a self-catering wine farm stay.
My Home for the Night: The Loft Family Room
Knorhoek’s accommodation is family- and pet-friendly, provided you notify them in advance and ensure your pet behaves.
So, for myself and kitty, I booked the elegant Loft Family Room for our one-night winelands getaway.
Although it is referred to as the Loft Family Room, my room and stay was incredibly romantic so I would definitely stay here for a couples’ getaway too.
For R1370.00 per night, this Loft Room accommodation is well-priced. It offers a truly luxurious, pampered experience.
You have the option of adding still or sparkling water or a choice of the estate’s Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon or MCC to your room bill.
I opted for still water (R15, 50ml) and a bottle of MCC (R270). This was wonderfully set out in the room upon my arrival with a lovely ice bucket to ensure my MCC was deliciously chilled and ready to enjoy.
Booking through their website is extremely easy and you receive the necessary confirmation emails and reminders for your stay.
No pre-payment is required; I just paid at the guesthouse reception before checking in.
Loft Family Room Amenities
My room’s standard amenities were as follows:
- en-suite bathroom (with a spacious shower and stunning antiquated claw-foot bath);
- option to have either king-sized or two-twin beds, as well as a single bed;
- complimentary WiFi (you receive your login details when you check-in);
- a gorgeous private balcony with either a farm- or mountain-view;
- an excellent, well-stocked tea- and coffee-station, complete with delicious rusks;
- TV equipped with DStv;
- hairdryer;
- safe;
- basic in-room toiletries;
- room telephone (in case you need to phone reception);
- aircon;
- ample cupboards and chest of drawers for storing your clothes and belongings;
- a fully stocked mini bar fridge with waters, wines from both Knorhoek and Quoin Rock and MCC. (If you enjoy anything from the bar fridge, it is added onto your room bill when you checkout).
Relaxing into Knorhoek’s Wine Farm Accommodation
Upon being warmly welcomed to reception for check-in, I was also given a set of keys for my room, a remote for the main gate and guesthouse front door keys too.
At night, security patrols the farm. Also, reception is usually open until the early evening. This adds an extra layer of reassurance and safety to your stay – but the farm feels safe regardless.
Once I had unloaded the car and settled the cat into our room, I poured myself some MCC, grabbed a book and took us out onto our lovely private balcony.
With stunning views of the mountain, trees and farm grounds (which are occasionally patrolled by proud peacocks), it was like nature’s gift.
Above the noise of the fans and muted staff chatter, all I could hear was birdsong. All I could see was vast forests, mountains and rustic lawns.
It was deeply calming – more than I can express in words. Even my cat, sitting snugly in his pet backpack alongside me, seemed to relax into our surroundings.
Cool by the Natural-style Pool
After a short respite – it was an incredibly hot late summer’s day – I lathered on sunscreen and made my way down the country lane to the garden pool.
The pool is available to all overnight guests and has a selection of pool chairs and loungers sprawled around it.
Additionally, there are usually also pool towels there for your use.
While the pool is open throughout, you need to keep an eye on kids, as there is no on-site pool supervision.
This pool, which is ensconced by lush garden surroundings, feels like a slice of paradise. (Especially on such a hot day!) It is the most inviting, natural-looking pool I have seen.
Dipping into its still cool waters, felt like being in some tropical oasis.
Yet, every time I swam back towards the guesthouse and wine tasting room side, I was reminded of my blissful country setting.
It was so refreshing and lovely. After that, I slowly made my way back to my elegant room – with its cosy, yet stylish loft feel and delightful furnishings – and enjoyed good plunger coffee out on the balcony.
Heading for a Hike
After relaxing for a bit, I decided to go for a quick hike on the farm before the sun set.
I could have taken my cat with as the trails are pet-friendly but I decided against it, leaving him safe and snug in the room.
Please note: When out on the farm and/or trails, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. This is to protect the wildlife and bird life.
Knorhoek’s farm trails are open to the public and are free to enjoy.
Although, before setting out, you need to register at reception and grab a map for your trail run or hike.
The trails can also be enjoyed by MTB enthusiasts so they are diverse and cater to all nature lovers. Note: These MTB trails are designed for families and novice riders.
The farm’s trails, which are sparsely signed, range from 2-7km. I opted for the shortest route (2 km forest trail) but loved every minute of it. Honestly, it is the perfect blend of Cape country charm and nature in one.
Walking past the farm’s neat rows of vines and through the enchanting forest walk is stunning.
Everywhere you turn, you are met with imposing mountain- or secret forest-views.
This 2 km-trail is also gentle and quick to cover so it’s perfect for families with kids or pets.
During my short hike, I didn’t see any wildlife – but natural beauty and birdsong were all around.
Overall, I rate this 2 km-hike as a firm 8/10 experience.
A Fairytale Setting at Sunset
At the end, as I made my way back to the guesthouse, I couldn’t help but admire the tree-lined avenue, peaceful dam and pretty country buildings.
Somehow, with the cottage and mountains in the distance, it reminded me of Rivendell, the ‘Last Homely House’, from J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
In truth, Knorhoek does feel like something that has leapt enchantingly from the pages of your favourite fairytale. It’s simply magical – good and proper.
Pamper Yourself
After getting a bit dusty on my hike, it was time for a tempting, pampering bath in my en-suite bathroom’s claw-foot beauty.
Arguably, this was one of the highlights of my stay and the perfect way to end off a relaxing, glorious day in the Stellenbosch winelands.
After some more coffee and a late night feast of rusks, it was time for bed in my vast, comfy king-sized bed.
The next morning, I awoke quite early and headed down to breakfast (this is served between 8:00-10:00 am if I recall).
In terms of breakfast seating, you can sit in the breakfast room (a bright, airy room) or out on the sunny porch. I chose to sit inside due to the heat.
There is a great buffet spread – with everything from freshly fruit juices to tea, coffee, cheese and preserves, fresh fruit slices, rusks, bread and muffins.
I enjoyed a lovely lemon poppyseed muffin with my coffee, before ordering a simple English breakfast of poached eggs, cherry tomatoes, bacon and toast.
It was a nice breakfast, which I rate as 7/10. As for the varied buffet spread, that is definitely an 8/10.
Like the rest of Knorhoek’s staff, service was friendly and welcoming in the breakfast room and my breakfast arrived quickly.
After that, it was with a heavy heart that I checked out of our room and we headed back home.
I felt completely refreshed and revitalised but reluctant to leave this beautiful place.
How It Rated Overall
Overall, I rate Knorhoek Wine Farm and Guesthouse as a firm 9/10.
In terms of comfort, setting and ambience, pet-friendliness and correspondence, it’s a definite 10/10.
As for cleanliness, staff/service and general facilities, I rate those as 8.5/10.
My room overall, the farm’s setting and the estate’s delectable MCC rate as easy 9/10s.
Please note: I was a fully paying guest so no part of my stay was complimentary or hosted.
Knorhoek Wine Farm’s guesthouse and self-catering cottage accommodation really is the perfect winelands getaway, with every necessary creature comfort thrown in.
I will definitely stay here again. I can recommend them for family-, solo- or couple-stays.
Contact Info
For more information on Knorhoek Wine Farm and all it offers, please contact them directly on: +27 (021) 865 2114, info@knorhoek.co.za or guesthouse@knorhoek.co.za.
You can also visit their website or find them for yourself at: Knorhoek Wine Farm, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
Knorhoek Wine Farm is also on some leading social media platforms, so be sure to connect with and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
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