Doolhof Wine Estate

Doolhof means 'labyrinth' in Afrikaans, and the name was inspired by the convoluted hills and valleys that surround this estate under Bain's Kloof Pass in Wellington's Bovlei Valley. The farm's history stretches back to the early eighteenth century, when Huguenot settlers introduced wine and brandy grapes to the area from 1728. One of its notable claims to fame is that Andrew Geddes Bain, the legendary road engineer, lived on Doolhof during the 1840s while overseeing construction of the mountain pass that now bears his name.

The modern chapter of Doolhof began in 1993 when the current farm was established, and the first high-quality wine grapes were planted in 1995. The real transformation came in 2003 when Dennis and Dorothy Kerrison took over and painstakingly restored the property, building a winery, tasting room and office complex from scratch. In 2005 the farm was officially granted Wine Estate status, confirming that all wines are grown, made and bottled on the property.

Doolhof's forty hectares of vineyard enjoy a variety of discrete micro-climates and terroirs, giving full expression to the white and red varietals produced here. Winemaker Friedrich Kuhne, of German descent, oversees production across several wine ranges. The Cape series offers everyday drinking wines, while the Single Vineyard range showcases the estate's finest parcels -- Malbec, Pinotage, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate is recognised as a specialist in Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Rose, and has earned BWI sustainability accreditation for its biodiversity-conscious farming.

Beyond the cellar, Doolhof functions as a complete hospitality destination. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while vineyard picnics and braai baskets offer informal alternatives. Luxury accommodation is bookable through Nightsbridge. Guided cellar tours, vineyard tours, horse riding, and cycle hire round out the activities. The views sweep from the vineyards and manicured gardens across to the Hawequa mountains.

Doolhof is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, welcoming children of all ages. The Doolhof Collective Wine Club offers members ongoing engagement with the estate. With award-winning wines, an elegant boutique atmosphere and a setting that pays homage to three centuries of Bovlei Valley viticulture, Doolhof embodies the intimate experience that Wellington's smaller estates do better than anywhere else in the Cape.