Lanzerac Estate is synonymous with Stellenbosch and its cultural and wine-making history, and Protea Wines is exceptionally proud to present the Premium and Heritage ranges of wines from this iconic estate.
Lanzerac Estate Particulars:
- Location: Stellenbosch
- Farming style: conventional
- Contributions: historical conservation
- Brand Info: estate brand, acclaimed locally and internationally.
- Established: 1692
- Awards: heritage site, very first Pinotage label
History
Dating to 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is a historic landmark and Stellenbosch icon. Set in the Jonkershoek Valley on the outskirts of the historical town of Stellenbosch, the estate offers views of dramatic mountain ranges, rows of vineyards and expansive gardens shaded by oak trees.
The homestead was transformed into a manor house in 1959 – reminiscent of the traditional French way of combining country hotel and wine estate. Today the property hosts a five star Country hotel, bars, restaurants, deli, a tasting venue and a day spa.
Lanzerac was established in 1692 – a mere 13 years after Stellenbosch itself – and is the third oldest farm in the area. The first owner was Isaac Schrijver who planted the very first vineyards and named the farm Schoongezicht, meaning wonderful view. In the early 1800’s the first cellar was erected and subsequently complemented by the Manor House in Cape Dutch architecture, with its main gable dating back to 1830.
The Manor House and Werf, now a Provincial Heritage Site, underwent significant changes by one of the property’s most influential owners, Elizabeth Catherina ‘Kitty’ English, who bought Schoongezicht in 1920. Mrs. English changed the estate’s name to Lanzerac, rumoured to be after General Charles Lanzerac – a French General, who commanded the French Fifth Army at the outbreak of World War I. She also transformed it during her nine years of ownership into one of the most modern wineries in the Cape, laying the foundation for Stellenbosch’s world-renowned wines. Mrs. English passed away in 1929, and in 1934 the Estate was bought by Jacobus Tribelhorn – the builder who had extended the Manor House for Mrs English. He continued her legacy of producing wines of exceptional quality.
The wine farm’s next owner, Angus Batts Buchanan, improved the estate’s reputation to another level by winning several awards for wines, sherry and brandy, in doing so established Lanzerac as a leading brand.
Buchanan’s nephew, ‘Lord’ David Rawdon, ushered in a new era when he purchased Lanzerac in 1958, by converting the farm into an elegant hotel and landmark. He converted the original cellar and its surrounding buildings into bars, lounges, dining area and hotel rooms.
The Lanzerac wine estate has been under current ownership since 2012. Extensive renovations from 2013 – 2018 upgraded infrastructure and service levels to a 21st century luxury experience without compromising its heritage.
Winemaking
Lanzerac Wine Estate, home to the world’s first bottled Pinotage and one of the oldest heritage farms in the Western Cape dating back to 1692, has been cultivating award-winning wines for decades. Nestled in the Jonkershoek Valley between the majestic Stellenbosch mountains, this historic Estate’s rich winemaking history can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first Lanzerac wine was bottled from grapes harvested on the farm. Since then, Lanzerac Wine Estate has cemented itself as a distinguished wine producer with a commitment to superior quality wines both internationally and locally.
In 1925 Professor Abraham Izak Perold, first Professor of Viticulture at the University of Stellenbosch, successfully crossed Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut) to create South Africa’s first unique and indigenous wine grape variety – Pinotage. Several years later, Lanzerac Wine Estate became the first winery in the world to use the term ‘Pinotage’ on their label when they marketed the 1959 vintage under the name ‘Lanzerac’, marking the birth of Pinotage as a unique variety from South Africa.
The estate is still producing award-winning Pinotage, along with a wide variety of other excellent quality wines that form part of Lanzerac’s three tiers – the Premium Range, Heritage Range and Keldermeester Versameling (Cellar Master Collection).
Further images of Lanzerac
Below are more images of Lanzerac and its environs.
