Wine has been a product of the Valley since the first white man settled there.  Vine cuttings were sent to the first commander of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck, from Germany’s Rhineland in 1654 but arrived rotten.  Another batch, sent in the following year, proved to be the root and foundation of the wine industry.  The first wine was produced on February 2, 1659 and Van Riebeeck wrote joyously in his diary: Today, praise be the Lord, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.

From the beginning life was hard.  Lions and leopards roamed the mountains, and living conditions were primitive.  The first parties were simply given government provisions, the plants to make temporary homes, and much encouragement.  The settlers, thrown back on their own ingenuity, courage and resourcefulness, created a hardy, independent and self-sufficient lifestyle based on their strong belief in God and the land.

Banghoek was originally known as ‘De Bange Hoek’ which is how it was indicated on a transport map of Zeven Rivieren in the year 1704.  Not only was it dangerously steep but there were gangs, escaped slaves, lions, leopards and other wild animals in the dense forest area. Travelers were wary of this area because many were attacked by these animals and slaves that escaped from prison and thrown into the river.  Apparently you still find leopards in these surrounding mountains today.

The road from Stellenbosch originally ran through Idasvallei over the farm Nazareth – today Glen Bourne – to the top of the neck at the farm Die Hel, whose name later became Rust and Vrede nowknown as Kylemore, over Bethlehem and through the Groot Drakenstein.

The owner of Die Hel made his income from toll money and accommodation to farmers making their way to and from the Cape. Today Banghoek is a proud sub region of Stellenbosch. Zorgvliet Wines is proud to be part of this history.

Bernelee van der Walt – functions@zorgvliet.com
Christine Smith – info@zorgvliet.com
Annine van der Westhuizen – accommodation@zorgvliet.com

Our company is built around two core philosophies, its Wine and its Hospitality. Our people are the foundation of our success and the key to our future.  Zorgvliet provides a diverse and rewarding environment where our people have opportunities to grow and succeed.   That’s what makes working here so special. We believe that work is more than a place you go every day. It should be a place of exploration, creativity and professional growth. It’s about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things and provide high quality products and individual service.  We strive to ensure “special experiences for special people”. We want our people to take pride in their work and in building brands others love. After all, it’s the combined talents, skills, knowledge, experience and passion of our people that make us who we are.

Experience the magical ambiance of a mountain braai, a picnic at the foot of the Simonsberg or you can enjoy wine tasting and barrel sampling in the modern wine cellar.

Zorgvliet Wine Estate is the ideal location for the wedding of your dreams. With exquisite views of the winelands that compliment the historic Cape Dutch architecture of the Estate, your wedding photos will be exquisite.

At dusk the valley becomes tranquil and filled with magic, the mountains are painted in the colours of our rainbow nation as the last rays of sunshine greet the valley good night. Share our haven and you will never be the same again as you will become a beholder of the spirit of the Banghoek Valley.