Grande Provence Estate

Grande Provence Estate wears her 300-year history with dignity. Sitting in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley in South Africa's Western Cape, her lush vines spread across 30 hectares with gentle vistas over the valley floor, at odds almost with the rugged mountains beyond. This is heartland South African wine country. Capturing the essence of the heritage of this gracious Estate, are Grande Provence's new owners and design team. The honest simplicity of its Cape Dutch architecture, in harmony with the precision and clarity of modern design, brings a new pièce de résistance to the Franschhoek valley. Framing the entry road are rows of vineyards, heavy with the promise of next year's vintage.

There, one bears witness to the duality of old and new settling into an elegant co-existence: old trees take root amongst the 300-year old oaks and manicured hedges blend with the free form of the natural surroundings to create a landscaped Eden. Gracefully governing the setting is the 18th Century Manor House, while The Owner's Cottage welcomes guests to boutique accommodation. Five sumptuous rooms provide a quiet and intimate repose; the tranquility of the lake provides a restful escape for the soul.

The Owner's Cottage at Grande Provence Estate is a testament to period grandeur and contemporary luxury. Comprising the beautifully appointed Cottage are four rooms, a deluxe suite, conservatory, lounge, swimming and spa pool area. Blanketed in a palette of charcoal grey and white linen, the rooms beckon an indulgent experience. Lush lawns edged with dark green hedges contrast with creamy travertine tiles and inset pebbles, while white walls delineate the deck chairs and lounging areas, juxtaposing the cool and crisp swimming pool. The spa pool punctuates the landscape with a stunning, elevated view of the surrounds. Harmony permeates every angle.

Years of heritage and great wine-making have produced the likes of the award-winning Count Agusta range and the popular lifestyle Angels Tears range. Their wines are created using classic cultivars of the highest quality. The distinctive vintages that are produced reflect the passion and enthusiasm of the wine-making team at Grande Provence Estate. In December 2005, they introduced their premier range, Grande Provence, consisting of Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay; Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. While the 18th Century Manor House and The Owner's Cottage reflect their Huguenot heritage, The Restaurant and wine-tasting area of Grande Provence Estate project a chic industrial presence. Steel joinery, galvanized metals and skylights distinguish this design approach. High-backed chairs upholstered in white leather draw the eye to the centre of the deep blue-grey Restaurant, while deep, slotted windows frame the picturesque view from the interior. The menus exude culinary excellence, with the signature dishes of The Restaurant hitting all the right notes, honest, fresh and delicious. Prepared from local fare and flavored with global influences both modern and classical, the cuisine is characterized by a philosophy of innovation through passion and simplicity.

Leading off The Restaurant is the welcoming wine-tasting area. The bar dominates the centre of the room, striking in galvanized steel with black strapping. A touch of fun is evident with the tractor seat bar stools, while a fireplace and upholstered chairs soften the perimeter of the room, inviting guests to sit back and savor every sip.

The Gallery at Grande Provence Estate, in association with Rose Korber Art Consultancy, showcases works by leading and emerging South African artists. The Jonkershuis is an elegant extension to Grande Provence Estate. Enjoy your own private dining experience under chandeliers made from recycled Angels Tears bottles. Stunning contemporary art adorns the walls. Adjoining the main dining room is a beautifully decorated area providing a more intimate meeting area. The Jonkershuis is an ideal setting for special dinners and functions, small weddings, and boutique conferences. Its private kitchen can cater for up to 30 guests. As with everything at Grande Provence Estate, the decor is unique and sumptuous, yet fitting for the purpose of the room. The Jonkershuis needs to be seen to be believed.

Best value red blend 2006 - Wine Magazine 2006 Best Value Wine Guide
Super Quaffer of the Year - Platter Guide 2006
SA Champion Merlot 2005 - South African National Young Wine Show 2005
The General Smuts Trophy 2005 - South African National Young Wine Show 2005
Condé Nast Traveller Hotlist 2006 - One of the 60 top new destinations worldwide

If driving from Cape Town: approximate driving time: one hour. Take the N1 highway to Paarl. Take exit number 55 Paarl-Main Road/Franschhoek. Turn right at the bottom of the exit and drive for 1.3 km, passing under the N1 highway. Turn left onto the R45 to Franschhoek at the Franschhoek sign.

Best Hotels in South Africa | Best Luxury Hotels in Franschhoek

Grande Provence Estate
Main Road
PO Box 102
Franschhoek, 7690
South Africa

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WOW Confidential January 2009 | CONFIDENTIAL | January 2009Admire works of art at Grande Provence Estate
At Grande Provence Estate, in Franschhoek, near Cape Town, admire works by top South African artists in owner Alex Van Heeren's art gallery, enjoy Angels Tear and Grande Provence wines and dine in its avantgarde restaurant. Explore the vineyards, and, ide...morePhotos - Sculpted Travel | PHOTOS | May 2008 | Images: 17Photos - Flickering Fireplaces | PHOTOS | February 2007 | Images: 17