Spookfontein Wines & Tastings

Spookfontein lies in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus, a 313-hectare property nestled between the Kleinrivier and Babilonstoring Mountains where Walker Bay's cold sea air sweeps in on summer evenings courtesy of the Cape Doctor. The farm was originally established in 1847, and its name carries a delightful local legend: 'Spook' is Dutch for 'ghost,' and the name refers to the spectral patterns that appear in the flowing waters of the farm's natural spring.

The property was purchased by Mike Davis, the nature-loving entrepreneur behind Ocean Eyewear and Dragon Sports, as a weekend retreat for his family. What began as a personal escape quickly evolved into something more ambitious. The first vines were planted, the first vintage was made in 2005, and by December 2013 a tasting room had opened to the public. Davis's vision was to create a wine farm that respected and embraced its natural environment rather than dominating it.

That philosophy is most visible in the architecture. Architect DJ Carr designed the cellar and tasting room to sit gently within the landscape, constructing extensively from natural materials and employing a curved, organic design that seems to grow from the hillside rather than having been imposed upon it. The cellar was conceived to not intrude on nature but embrace it, and the result is one of the most striking winery buildings in the Walker Bay region.

The estate has 14 hectares under vine, planted on rocky soils that force the roots deep and produce concentrated, mineral-driven fruit. The current winemaker is Nelis Uys, with Andries Gotze serving as viticulturist. Together they produce wines across a focused range including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, as well as a selection of blends. The cool maritime climate of Walker Bay gives the wines a natural freshness and elegance that distinguishes them from warmer inland regions.

Beyond the cellar, Spookfontein has developed into a complete destination. The restaurant has earned a strong reputation for its seasonal cuisine, drawing visitors from Hermanus and beyond with dishes that celebrate the produce of the Overberg. Two self-catering cottages accommodate overnight guests, and the property offers swimming in the farm dam, bird watching, hiking trails, mountain biking, and horse and pony rides through The Ranch. The 313-hectare property dwarfs its 14 hectares of vineyard, leaving vast tracts of fynbos and natural landscape intact. It is a place where nature takes priority over production, and the ghost in the spring water seems to whisper that slowing down is the whole point.