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Introduction
The beautiful, remote and historic valley, north-east of Wellington, that contains Doolhof is surrounded by the Groenberg, Limietberge and Hawekwa mountains. In 1707 the first settlers grazed cattle here. Permits were granted from 1709 and land granted in 1712. Grapes for wine and brandy making were introduced by Huguenot settlers as early as 1728.
Due to Doolhof being surrounded on three sides by mountains and having no main route into the hinterland of South Africa, Andrew Geddes Bain built Bainskloof Pass in the 1840s, a famous pass which allowed access and expansion. For part of the project, Bain lived on Doolhof and today the wine estate traverses Bainskloof.
The farm has been the jewel of the Bovlei valley for three centuries and has had many owners. The current farm dates from 1993 with the decision to grow high quality wine grapes. The first vines were planted in 1995. Since the present owners acquired it in 2003, they have built a winery, tasting room and storage complex. In 2005, the farm was given Estate status.
Today, it stands as proud testimony to its Old Cape heritage, its historic buildings carefully restored and perfectly situated in a beautiful, landscaped setting. The new Grand Dédale Country House situated in the Manor House, with its magnificently decorated rooms, opened to guests in late 2009 and is Wellington's most exclusive privately-owned Country House, on a par with the best such venues in Europe. It can accommodate 12 guests in six double bedrooms furnished in sumptuous luxury. There is a separate Guest Cottage that sleeps two and which can also be used as a wedding chapel.
Doolhof’s modern facilities, quality grape production, modern viticultural methods and award winning wines ensure its place in the 21st century – a continuation of three centuries.
Due to Doolhof being surrounded on three sides by mountains and having no main route into the hinterland of South Africa, Andrew Geddes Bain built Bainskloof Pass in the 1840s, a famous pass which allowed access and expansion. For part of the project, Bain lived on Doolhof and today the wine estate traverses Bainskloof.
The farm has been the jewel of the Bovlei valley for three centuries and has had many owners. The current farm dates from 1993 with the decision to grow high quality wine grapes. The first vines were planted in 1995. Since the present owners acquired it in 2003, they have built a winery, tasting room and storage complex. In 2005, the farm was given Estate status.
Today, it stands as proud testimony to its Old Cape heritage, its historic buildings carefully restored and perfectly situated in a beautiful, landscaped setting. The new Grand Dédale Country House situated in the Manor House, with its magnificently decorated rooms, opened to guests in late 2009 and is Wellington's most exclusive privately-owned Country House, on a par with the best such venues in Europe. It can accommodate 12 guests in six double bedrooms furnished in sumptuous luxury. There is a separate Guest Cottage that sleeps two and which can also be used as a wedding chapel.
Doolhof’s modern facilities, quality grape production, modern viticultural methods and award winning wines ensure its place in the 21st century – a continuation of three centuries.
Contact Info
Address:
Bo Vlei Road
Wellington
South Africa
South Africa
Wellington
South Africa
South Africa
Tel:
021 873 6911
Fax:
021 864 2321
Website:
http://www.doolhof.com
Offering
- Wine Tasting Room
- Light Lunches
- Walking Trails
- Picnics
- Food and Wine Pairings
- Cellar Tours
- Vineyard Tours
- 4 x 4 Route
Hours of operation
| From | To | From | To | From | To | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 09:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Tuesday | Open | 09:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Wednesday | Open | 09:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Thursday | Open | 09:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Friday | Open | 09:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Saturday | Open | 10:00 | 17:00 | ||||
| Sunday | Open | 10:00 | 16:00 | ||||
Meet Our Team (6)
Friedrich Kühne
Winemaker
Friedrich Kühne joined Doolhof Wine Estate for the 2008 harvest before being appointed winemaker in 2009. He completed his Degree in Food Service Management in 1995 and worked in the food industry before pursuing his passion for winemaking. He completed his Diploma in Cellar Technology in 2005 at Elsenburg.
Friedrich gained experience at well known wineries, Nederburg and Delheim and international experience at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in California, as well as Château de Panéry, Cotés du Rhône, in France. He is currently studying for a Diploma in International Wine at the Cape Wine Academy.
For several years, Friedrich has been invited to work the harvest at Château Palmer, the prestigious Third Growth château situated close to Château Margaux north of Bordeaux, and rated by wine writers as producing wines second only in quality, to those produced by Château Margaux. He participated in the 2009 harvest adding to his skills’ experience.
Friedrich gained experience at well known wineries, Nederburg and Delheim and international experience at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in California, as well as Château de Panéry, Cotés du Rhône, in France. He is currently studying for a Diploma in International Wine at the Cape Wine Academy.
For several years, Friedrich has been invited to work the harvest at Château Palmer, the prestigious Third Growth château situated close to Château Margaux north of Bordeaux, and rated by wine writers as producing wines second only in quality, to those produced by Château Margaux. He participated in the 2009 harvest adding to his skills’ experience.
Hanlie Laubscher
Admin
Hendrik Laubscher
Viticulturist
Hendrik grew up in Paarl and matriculated at the Boland Agricultural School in 1986. After completing his mandatory two years in the army he returned to the Cape and started working at Van Riebeeckshof in Durbanville. There he was responsible for 150 hectares under grapes. From 1991 - 1995 he worked for Monte Vista as Viticulturist. Hendrik has been the longest on Doolhof - since 1996 when he was asked to oversee the planting of vineyards on Doolhof, previously an equestrian farm. Since then he has been in charge of overseeing the maintenance and planting of new vines on the Estate.
Johan Fourie
General Manager / CEO
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Johan Fourie as General Manager, effective immediately.
Johan has been involved on a consultation basis with Doolhof over the last 20 months assisting on strategic matters.
This appointment is a logical progression as Doolhof develops its medium term global programme which will be now managed by Johan.
Dennis Kerrison, owner of Doolhof said, “As our business has grown in complexity and Johan has assisted in building the strategy. I was delighted when Johan agreed to join us and run our great team. I have every confidence that this appointment will show benefits quickly.â€
Johan Fourie, who has worked in the wine industry as management consultant for the past 6 years said’ “The appointment is a fantastic opportunity and challenge. Most people realise that the wine industry is under pressure from all sides, but opportunities to succeed are still present. I look forward to work with the Doolhof team and owners to further establish the brand and execute the strategy we identified.
Johan has been involved on a consultation basis with Doolhof over the last 20 months assisting on strategic matters.
This appointment is a logical progression as Doolhof develops its medium term global programme which will be now managed by Johan.
Dennis Kerrison, owner of Doolhof said, “As our business has grown in complexity and Johan has assisted in building the strategy. I was delighted when Johan agreed to join us and run our great team. I have every confidence that this appointment will show benefits quickly.â€
Johan Fourie, who has worked in the wine industry as management consultant for the past 6 years said’ “The appointment is a fantastic opportunity and challenge. Most people realise that the wine industry is under pressure from all sides, but opportunities to succeed are still present. I look forward to work with the Doolhof team and owners to further establish the brand and execute the strategy we identified.
Marlese Walters
Admin
Susan Smit
Tasting Room and Denizen Wine Club Manager
