Bosjes Farm Review: A wonderful Winelands hideaway in the Breede River Valley

Are you looking to escape to the lesser known areas of the Cape Winelands and wonder where best to stay? Beautiful Bosjes Farm nestled at the foot of the Waaihoek Mountains in Breedekloof Wine Valley just a 90-minutes drive from Cape Town is the perfect hideaway for a exciting vineyard stay.

Two years ago, sitting at the airport in Johannesburg waiting for my flight back to Frankfurt after spending ten amazing days in the Cape Winelands, I saw a picture of the stunning Bosjes chapel in a local magazine.

Unusual quirky design sitting in a destination where you would never expect such a structure. Those who follow my blog will know: I was sold instantly.

Two years later I was finally able to tick off Bosjes Farm from my bucket list; and it’s been a truly wonderful stay.

 

The Location – How to get to Bosjes Farm

Bosjes Farm, which means ‘small bushes’ is located at the foot of the Waaihoek Mountains in the Breedekloof area of beautiful Breede River Valley just about an hour and a half from Cape Town.

Stretching from McGregor in the south to Gouda in the west, Montagu in the east in the Karoo in the north, Breede River Valley is home to a number of lesser known small wine-growing areas dotted with lovely boutique wineries that in recent years has strongly grown in popularity.

With the N1 passing through the valley, it is an easy destination to reach whilst it is still seeing less crowds than the major historic wine-growing regions in the Western Cape.

 

About Bosjes Farm

The property is a family-led estate farming their own grapes, olives, peaches and beautiful proteas.

Formerly known as Bosjesmans founded back in the 18th century, the estate is open to the public since early 2017 and already has earned lots of praise for its excellent food and lovely accommodation – and off course for the quirky little chapel that quickly has become a huge attraction, making Bosjes known across the Cape Winelands and South Africa.

 

Staying at Bosjes Farm guest house

As you drive up the long gravelled road the first thing that catches your attention after passing the impressive chapel is the beautiful historic manor house nestled in front of a stunning mountain backdrop.

Today, the manor house spotting the beautiful grand Cape Dutch architecture is surrounded by the small guest house located in an converted old barn and the on-site restaurant Bosjes Kombuis.

Inside, the guest house features a stylish modern minimalist design with colours in earthy shaded of natural white, sand and gray lightened up with some hues of yellow and green.

The communal lounge is perfect to settle down with something to read and a glass of wine in hand when the weather is not at its best. Indeed, for cooler days there is even a fireplace.

The guest house offers five luxury suites nestled around a courtyard where you also find a lovely small pool.

Breakfast and diner is included in the room rate and you will be treated to a small breakfast buffet in the morning and a three-course menu exclusively prepared to hotel guests in the on-site kitchen at the guest house.

 

Dining at Bosjes Farm

Even so you will be served excellent food at the guest house, I definitely recommend planning lunch at Bosjes Kombuis (which means ‘kitchen’). It is a stylish restaurant offering a light modern menu based on locally produced food and in addition, you can also have a wine tasting here.

The restaurant is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.

When the temperatures are less favourable or when it’s cooling off in the evening, the floor-to-ceiling windows still allow to admire the swiping views over the surrounding vineyards and mountain ranges.

On warmer days, the outdoor deck is the absolutely perfect place to sit down and enjoy your food accompanied by the farm’s own wines and breathtaking views.

The beautiful ‘Bosjes Tree of Life’ is a true masterpiece of art. It consists of 366 tiles that were hand-painted and reflect the flora and fauna of the farm.

For some in-between snacks the lovely tea garden located next to the chapel is open from 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to test it firsthand as the picture showing plenty of sunshine is misleading – it was taken when the heavy clouds and strong wind cleared the afternoon after the tea garden was closed. However, there is a range of freshly baked sweet and savoury finger food on the menu that looks absolutely tantalizing.

 

Bosjes Chapel

Completed just over three years ago, the most stunning part of Bosjes Farm – designed by renowned UK-based Steyn Studio – no doubt is the beautiful chapel who’s design was inspired by a bird in flight.

It has no doubt become one of the most popular wedding destinations of the Cape Winelands since its opening.

The chapel prominently sits in the midst of a small garden featuring pomegranate, olive and citrus trees.

Approaching the whole structure really seems to float above the small artificial pond and it makes for stunning views from any possible angle.

Heading up the small artificial hill build a short distance from the chapel opens incredible views over the garden and the surrounding area.

 

Bosjes Wine Range

Much to my delight, Bosjes also produces their own wine. They are created from local producers within the Breedekloof Valley and only available on the farm.

Bosjes produces two wine ranges, the classic and reserve range. The classic ranges includes a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage whilst the farm’s flagship wines are the Chardonnay reserve and Shiraz reserve. Both are recent additions to Bosjes wines made from grapes sourced from the local award-winning Bergsig Estate and Silkbush Mountain Vineyards.

 

I had two wonderful days at Bosjes Farm and can only recommend to book a stay at their lovely guest house. But if you don’t, make sure to drop by to see the stunning chapel and have some food in the restaurant. It’s totally worth it.