Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, beyond the gentle folds of the Paarl mountains, a historic wine farm has embraced a bold new chapter. Dekkersvlei Vineyards – formerly known as Mellasat and rooted in heritage dating back to 1693 – has been reimagined with a fresh identity that blends tradition, innovation, and immersive wine experiences. The result is a destination that feels entirely new, offering storytelling and wine moments unlike anything else in the Cape Winelands.

While many estates boast deep roots, Dekkersvlei offers something truly rare: it is the home of the world’s first White Pinotage. First crafted and released in 2007, this golden-hued wine reimagined South Africa’s signature red grape with remarkable finesse, earning global attention for its originality. Today, as Pinotage celebrates its centenary in 2025, Dekkersvlei is celebrating too – by inviting guests to step into the heart of that innovation.

A new wine journey begins: five expressions, one signature grape

The estate’s headline experience is its Unique Five Pinotage Tasting, a journey that reveals the remarkable versatility of the varietal. Guests explore an entire spectrum of Pinotage expressions – from the pioneering White Pinotage to a refined Méthode Cap Classique, a delicate Rosé, a classic red Pinotage, and a richly layered Coffee Pinotage.

Sipped in sequence, the tasting becomes a celebration of creativity and craft – a reminder that South Africa’s most iconic grape still has new stories to tell.

An estate with a working soul: walk the vineyards, taste the origin

Unlike many stylised tasting rooms built only for aesthetics, Dekkersvlei remains a working wine farm – and visitors are invited to experience it as such.

The TASTE THE ORIGINAL tour is a 45-minute guided walk that threads through blocks of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, 70-year-old bush vines, and the estate’s cherished Pinotage block. Guests visit the boutique cellar and maturation room, sampling the wine through each stage of its evolution: fresh grape juice, raw ferment, and finally, a fully matured vintage.

The tour ends with a tasting of three wines, including the world-first White Pinotage – a moment that feels as much like a discovery as it does a tasting.

A brandy to rival cognac: traditional craft in the Cape Winelands

Wine may be the headline, but brandy lovers will find an equally compelling reason to visit. Dekkersvlei produces traditional Cape Potstill brandy, distilled in small batches and matured in oak barrels with the same patience and precision found in Europe’s great distilleries.

The Bespoke Brandy Experience takes visitors into the boutique distillery and underground cellar, where brandy is offered in a range of ages and expressions. It is a rich, authentic tribute to South African craftsmanship – one that elevates the humble barrel into a stage for storytelling.

A destination for families, food lovers, and day trippers

The vineyard visit is more than a tasting venue, Dekkersvlei has created a leisure destination that invites slow moments, shared charcuterie platters, and relaxed gatherings.

Visitors can enjoy:

• A deli and shop offering morning coffees, pastries, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and curios
• Wood-fired pizzas and the kind of thick, indulgent milkshakes that justify a second visit
• Outdoor seating under trees, with views of vineyards that stretch towards Paarl Rock
• A function space ideal for weddings, celebrations, and intimate private events

It is a place designed for unhurried afternoons – where children can enjoy milkshakes or the kids tasting – while adults savour MCC under the warmth of the Cape sun.

As accessible as it is extraordinary

One of Dekkersvlei’s greatest strengths is its proximity to Cape Town.

Located just three minutes off the N1 and a direct drive from the CBD, it is a rare combination of convenience and countryside immersion. For travellers with limited time, it offers an effortless half-day escape; for locals, an easy new favourite.

With its pioneering spirit, deep heritage, and beautiful visitor experiences, Dekkersvlei Vineyards is one of the Cape Winelands’ most exciting new destinations.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a brandy enthusiast, a family seeking a weekend outing, or a traveller in search of something truly unique, Dekkersvlei offers a warm welcome – and a story worth savouring.

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