Our story
A Rich Heritage
Our story began in 1691 when Vredenheim was established as one of the oldest wine estates in Stellenbosch. Originally part of the first seven farms transferred by Simon van der Stel, the farm spans 187 hectares. Hendrik Elbertz, the first owner, started farming here in 1681 and received the title deed a decade later. His legacy includes the oldest documented resting place in Stellenbosch.
Pioneering Winemaking
In 1987, Elzabé Bezuidenhout began winemaking at Vredenheim, becoming the first female winemaker on the Stellenbosch wine route. Vredenheim has since flourished under the family’s guidance, blending rich history with modern agricultural practices.
EST 1691
family legacy
The Bezuidenhout family acquired Vredenheim in 1986. Coen and Rikie Bezuidenhout, originally cattle and game farmers from Kwazulu-Natal, brought their passion for wildlife to Vredenheim, establishing an impressive array of animals including blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, fallow deer, and zebras. Today, Vredenheim is managed by their children, Basie and Elzabé Bezuidenhout.
the manor house
In 1986, the Bezuidenhout family acquired the farm and have since preserved and enhanced the estate. The Manor House, with its historical architecture and original handmade glass windows, remains a central feature of Vredenheim, blending its rich heritage with modern winemaking and guest experiences.
the manor house
In 1986, the Bezuidenhout family acquired the farm and have since preserved and enhanced the estate. The Manor House, with its historical architecture and original handmade glass windows, remains a central feature of Vredenheim, blending its rich heritage with modern winemaking and guest experiences.
The Vredenheim Manor House, originally known as Vredenburgh, has a storied history dating back to the late 17th century. Hendrik Elbertz, the first owner, established the farm in 1681 after various roles with the Dutch East India Company. The farm was later inherited by Geertruy Cloete in 1716, who acquired additional land in 1734, setting the stage for the construction of the Manor House.
Paul Roux IV built the Manor House in 1789, featuring an elegant gable with intricate motifs and curves, characteristic of Cape Dutch architecture. Significant Victorian modifications in the 1920s included replacing the thatched roof with corrugated iron and adding a veranda. Despite these changes, the house retained its historical charm, and in 1940/41, Tielman Neethling undertook a restoration amidst wartime material shortages. The Manor House was declared a National Monument in 1975.
Vredenheim Today
Vredenheim, meaning "Peace of the homestead".
Vredenheim continues to thrive as a testament to its storied past and the dedication of the Bezuidenhout family. Visitors can enjoy not only world-class wines but also the unique experience of a working farm with diverse wildlife unlike any other.
