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Tucked away in the breathtaking Paradyskloof Valley beneath the majestic Stellenbosch mountains lies one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets: Vriesenhof Vineyards. This intimate, family-owned estate is far more than just another Stellenbosch winery – it is a living piece of Cape Winelands heritage, the lifelong passion project of Springbok rugby icon Jan “Boland” Coetzee, and home to some of the country’s most elegant, age-worthy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay you will ever taste.
From Springbok Scrum to Stellenbosch Soil – The Legend of Jan Boland Coetzee
In the 1960s and 70s, Jan Coetzee was the fearsome loose-head prop who packed down for the mighty Springboks. Nicknamed “Boland” after his beloved home region, he played alongside legends and faced the All Blacks in some of rugby’s most brutal eras. But even while wearing the green and gold, Jan was already dreaming of vines.
In 1980, the rugby hero swapped his scrum cap for a secateur and bought the historic Vriesenhof farm – a 110-hectare paradise of south-facing slopes cooled by False Bay breezes. In 1983, in true maverick style, he smuggled Chardonnay cuttings from Burgundy in his luggage (yes, really!) and planted the first official block on the farm. Those vines still produce today.
Jan’s philosophy was simple yet revolutionary for the time: “Make wines you love to drink, not wines the market tells you to make.” He pioneered cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in South Africa long before they became fashionable, and his Burgundian-inspired approach earned him the nickname “the grandfather of South African Pinot Noir”.
The Soul of Vriesenhof – Heritage, Family & Warm Cape Hospitality
Walking up the oak-lined driveway feels like stepping into a hug from an old South African friend. The thatched Cape-Dutch manor house, built in 1814, is surrounded by tumbling herb gardens, ancient oaks and postcard-perfect views of the Helderberg. This is Die Stoep at Vriesenhof – the new farm restaurant where visitors are welcomed like family, sharing wood-fired feasts and stories under the Stellenbosch sun.
But the real magic happens beneath your feet.
The Magical Underground Cellar – A Cathedral of Cape Wine History
Descend the stone staircase into Vriesenhof’s legendary underground cellar and you enter a cool, dimly lit sanctuary lined with dusty bottles dating back to the very first 1981 vintage. This is one of the most emotive wine cellars in the Cape – every bottle tells a story of Jan’s journey from rugby fields to vineyard rows. Rare museum vintages of Pinot Noir, Pinotage Paradyskloof and the flagship Kallista Bordeaux blend rest quietly, many still drinking beautifully after 30+ years.
Standing among these treasures, you can’t help but feel the deep cultural heritage of the Coetzee family and their unbreakable bond with this special piece of Stellenbosch land.
The Wines – Exceptional Quality, Outstanding Value
Despite their cult status and multiple Platter’s 5-star and Tim Atkin 95+ ratings, Vriesenhof wines remain astonishingly well-priced.
These are world-class wines that punch far above their price point – perfect for collectors and everyday wine lovers alike.
Why Prestige Cape Tours is Adding Vriesenhof to Every Luxury Itinerary
There is simply no better place to experience authentic South African hospitality, rugby history, Cape heritage and soul-stirring wines in one unforgettable visit. Whether it’s sipping Jan Boland Coetzee’s legendary Pinot Noir on the stoep, exploring the underground cellar, or enjoying a lazy farm lunch overlooking the valley, Vriesenhof leaves every visitor with a full heart and a story to tell.
Book your private Prestige Cape Tours visit to Vriesenhof Vineyards today and discover why this hidden Stellenbosch jewel – and the incredible legacy of Springbok legend Jan “Boland” Coetzee – deserves a permanent place on every Cape Winelands itinerary.
Vriesenhof isn’t just a winery. It’s a love letter to South Africa, written in every glass.
Vriesenhof Wines in the Barrel
