Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

The two farms that make up Asara were first established in 1691, just four decades after the Dutch East India Company planted its flag at the Cape. The property was originally named Verdun, and when the Roux family acquired it in 1772 they held it for more than two centuries, building a manor house in 1845 that would later be converted into the cellar in 1953. The estate's first wine sold under its own label appeared in 1970, but for most of its long history Asara remained a quiet working farm on the Polkadraai Road outside Stellenbosch.

That changed decisively in 2001 when German entrepreneur and wine lover Markus Rahmann purchased the property and saw dormant potential in its hundred hectares of vineyards, its graceful Cape Dutch architecture, and its position on one of the most scenic routes in the Winelands. Rahmann's vision was to create a complete wine destination -- not just a cellar, but a hotel, spa, and dining experience that could stand alongside the finest addresses in the Stellenbosch appellation.

The transformation was thorough. The cellar was renovated with stainless steel tanks alongside the original cement fermentation vessels, and French oak barrels were brought in for premium ageing. Winemaker Michiel du Toit, who grew up in Somerset West and graduated top of his class from Elsenburg College for Agriculture, was appointed to lead the wine programme. His philosophy is hands-on in the vineyard and hands-off in the cellar -- minimal intervention to allow the fruit and terroir to express themselves. Red varieties dominate, planted on 75 percent of the estate, with Pinotage appearing in every range from the entry-level Vineyard Collection through the Terroir Collection to the premium Speciality Range.

The flagship wines are the Avalon -- a powerful red cuvee of Pinotage and Shiraz -- and The Bell Tower, a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec named after the estate's distinctive architectural feature. White wines include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Asara's boutique hotel comprises 35 rooms, three suites, and three self-catering apartments, all individually styled within the estate's historic buildings. Raphael's restaurant serves refined cuisine, and a cigar lounge provides a more relaxed alternative. The Sansibar bistro adds a casual dining option. The wine bar offers cured meats, local cheeses, and tapas alongside tastings, with sensory experiences including blindfolded tastings. The estate is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, with a helipad for arriving guests.