4WD Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 385
per adult
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
4.5
Speciality & Gift ShopsWineries & VineyardsPrivate ToursWine Tours & Tastings Wine Bars
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Awarded Cellar Door of the Year by Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, Benguela Cove is a must-visit. Oceanside location and nature reserve, at the edge of the Bot River Lagoon, cool climate, vineyard and cellar tours, Pontoon boat cruises, Moody Lagoon Restaurant overlooking the lagoon, wine tastings, Art Gallery, Tea Terrace, Pirate Adventure Golf. Nestled between two gentle hills on the banks of the Botrivier Lagoon, lies the Benguela Cove Wine Estate. Located only one hour from Cape Town, 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, and just 10km from the historic seaside town of Hermanus, this site enjoys majestic views over the lagoon to the Palmiet mountains, which form the spine of the Kogelberg Biosphere.
Tours and Tickets by Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
4WD Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 833
per group
Spring Break
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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from
R 2 496
per adult
4WD Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 17 900
R 16 647
per adult
4WD Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 29 000
R 26 970
per adult
Travellers talk about
(19 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
294 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
35
Average
18
Poor
11
Terrible
26
May T
Kent, United Kingdom2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Set in the most beautiful surroundings you will not be disappointed with any aspect of this gem of South Africa. The food here is exceptional tailored to the season, a wonderful combination of eclectic flavours with unique presentation amongst the scenic aesthetics and ambiance. Suitable for all ages a special place for a lovely day out. Definitely recommend…
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claude D
Stellenbosch, South Africa13 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My second visit to Benguela with my last visit more then a year ago.
Our Wine Tasting white wines was much warmer then with the red wines much cooler (colder) as if the white wines were not placed at a cooler temperature at the start of their business day.
The Wine Advisor could not completely answer me on this question but instead said the red wines however do get stored in a cooler temperature ignoring the question on the white wines.
Not a complain but question.
No umbrellas outside the wine tasting room while we had to then sit inside for shade which limited our experience on such a warm and sunny day.
Our Wine Tasting white wines was much warmer then with the red wines much cooler (colder) as if the white wines were not placed at a cooler temperature at the start of their business day.
The Wine Advisor could not completely answer me on this question but instead said the red wines however do get stored in a cooler temperature ignoring the question on the white wines.
Not a complain but question.
No umbrellas outside the wine tasting room while we had to then sit inside for shade which limited our experience on such a warm and sunny day.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
Dear Claude,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent visit to Benguela Cove. We deeply value the opinions of our visitors and use them as a platform to constantly improve our services.
I apologize for the discrepancy you experienced with the temperatures of the white and red wines during your tasting. Ensuring that our wines are served at their optimal temperatures is of utmost importance to us. We will definitely look into the matter and take steps to ensure a consistent experience for all our guests in the future.
Regarding your question on the white wines, I sincerely apologize for any oversight or miscommunication. It's essential for our Wine Advisors to provide clear and accurate information, and we will address this feedback with our team.
Moreover, I understand your point about the absence of umbrellas outside the tasting room. We strive to offer an immersive and comfortable experience, especially on bright sunny days. Your feedback gives us an opportunity to evaluate this aspect of our setup.
Once again, thank you for sharing your observations with us. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again, and assure you of a more seamless experience on your next visit.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J Cowley
Hermanus, South Africa1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Business
I'm not usually a person to come on here and write bad reviews but it honestly seems necessary this time round.
Having done a free styled shoot at Benguela Cove for their wedding marketing last year, I had nothing but high hopes and good things to say about Benguela and thus I recommended the spot to 2 girls who hired me for their matric farewell photoshoot.
I arrived an hour in advance and spoke to multiple members of the staff, making sure where I was permitted to shoot as well as finding out about one or two areas in the restaurant, I was then reassured by the staff that all was in order. I then proceeded to go to the tasting room and ordered MCC to be prepared for when my clients arrived.
Upon their arrival, we had lovely service from the tasting room and then wanted to proceed to taking photos but the light was too harsh outside and I knew that the restaurant had a function that evening so we headed to go do the indoor photos first to be out of the way before any of their guests arrive. Imagine my shock as well as embarrassment when this time we were told curtly that it costs R250 per person for photos and that now all of a sudden we were not permitted to take any photos inside the restaurant and were told that we could take photos anywhere outside.
In reply to this interaction, I simply said that it was okay and that I understood completely. Me and my group then moved outside and wanted to take family photos against a plain white wall out of direct sunlight, I moved 2 chairs out of the way (with full intention of placing them back once we were done) so that I could get a clean shot of my clients. Then a woman who was an external vendor for Benguela abruptly started to shout at us in a very disrespectful manner that we are not allowed to take photos outside either.
As someone who has now worked for 10 years in the service industry, I understand that perhaps the staff was under stress, but that has never and will never be an excuse to treat any guests in such a contemptuous or boorish manner.
It saddens me to say this but I will not be returning anytime soon and the same goes for any of the individuals in my group that were treated like this.
Having done a free styled shoot at Benguela Cove for their wedding marketing last year, I had nothing but high hopes and good things to say about Benguela and thus I recommended the spot to 2 girls who hired me for their matric farewell photoshoot.
I arrived an hour in advance and spoke to multiple members of the staff, making sure where I was permitted to shoot as well as finding out about one or two areas in the restaurant, I was then reassured by the staff that all was in order. I then proceeded to go to the tasting room and ordered MCC to be prepared for when my clients arrived.
Upon their arrival, we had lovely service from the tasting room and then wanted to proceed to taking photos but the light was too harsh outside and I knew that the restaurant had a function that evening so we headed to go do the indoor photos first to be out of the way before any of their guests arrive. Imagine my shock as well as embarrassment when this time we were told curtly that it costs R250 per person for photos and that now all of a sudden we were not permitted to take any photos inside the restaurant and were told that we could take photos anywhere outside.
In reply to this interaction, I simply said that it was okay and that I understood completely. Me and my group then moved outside and wanted to take family photos against a plain white wall out of direct sunlight, I moved 2 chairs out of the way (with full intention of placing them back once we were done) so that I could get a clean shot of my clients. Then a woman who was an external vendor for Benguela abruptly started to shout at us in a very disrespectful manner that we are not allowed to take photos outside either.
As someone who has now worked for 10 years in the service industry, I understand that perhaps the staff was under stress, but that has never and will never be an excuse to treat any guests in such a contemptuous or boorish manner.
It saddens me to say this but I will not be returning anytime soon and the same goes for any of the individuals in my group that were treated like this.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
First and foremost, please accept our sincere apologies for the distressing experience you had at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. Our guests’ satisfaction is paramount, and it is evident that we fell short during your recent visit. Your feedback is crucial to us, as it helps identify areas where we can and must improve.
Regarding your interaction with our staff and the unexpected photography fee, we understand the embarrassment and frustration this might have caused. It seems there was a communication breakdown, and we deeply regret that. We aim to have clear policies regarding shoots, and your experience indicates the need for better internal communication and transparency with our guests.
The behavior of the external vendor, as described, is entirely unacceptable. We work closely with all our vendors and partners, and we expect them to uphold the same values and service standards as we do. We will be addressing this incident with her directly to ensure such events do not repeat in the future.
Having collaborated with you in the past for our wedding marketing, we value your insights and contributions. It's particularly disheartening to hear that such an established relationship was tainted by this experience.
Please know that the issues you raised will be discussed and addressed internally, and corrective measures will be implemented. We genuinely hope you will consider revisiting us in the future. Should you decide to do so, I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss your concerns personally and ensure you have a positive experience.
Again, thank you for your feedback and for bringing these concerns to our attention. We are truly sorry and committed to making things right.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chanda Hanel
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
We celebrated my birthday at the restaurant for Sunday lunch. We found the lunch over priced for the offer. Two of the three starters were very plain and tasteless however the smoked tomato soup was very flavorful. The main courses were tasty but small for the price. We found a black plastic strand of something in the one dish. Management then removed the R100 per person cover charge for the music. To be honest we won’t be back.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
Thank you for choosing our restaurant to celebrate your special day, and for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly value the opinions of our guests and are always striving to provide the best dining experience possible.
I am genuinely sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, particularly in terms of the food offerings and pricing. Our aim is to provide dishes that are both flavorful and of the highest quality, so I regret to learn that some of the starters did not live up to that standard. However, I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the smoked tomato soup.
I deeply apologize for the unfortunate incident with the black plastic strand in one of the dishes. This is certainly not up to our standards, and I assure you that we will investigate the matter diligently to prevent such incidents in the future.
While I'm glad that our management took steps to amend the situation by removing the cover charge, I understand that it might not make up for the overall experience. Your feedback provides us with an invaluable opportunity to reflect upon our offerings and service.
It's disheartening to hear that you won't be returning, but we respect your decision. If you ever reconsider, I would appreciate the chance to personally ensure that you have a memorable and positive dining experience with us.
Thank you again for your feedback, and I wish you all the best.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa2 584 contributions
Mar 2023
Having heard only good things about the Oyster Pairing at Benguela Cove, and knowing the quality of their wines, I just knew I needed to make a plan to visit them. Arriving at the estate I was impressed to see how much they have expanded since I last visited (which was many years ago). On the estate they don't just have the tasting center anymore, but they have expanded to include a restaurant, curio shop and an art gallery with artistic pieces also spread around on the grounds for you to enjoy. The tasting center was quite large with various different seating options to choose from (inside and outside). We ended up grabbing a set of couches right next to the window so we could experience the pairing while taking in the beautiful views. The pairing consists out of 4 oysters prepared in different ways, paired with 4 different wines. It does take a bit of time to prepare, however the guy that handled our tasting, Colin, kept us entertained while we waited. The pairings worked extremely well and Colin was very knowledgeable. We ended up also tasting some of their other wines and I can honestly say their Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best I have tasted in a long while. Although we decided on the oyster pairing (which I can highly recommend you try), they also have other tasting and pairing options available. I do however recommend you make a booking before you visit, especially if you are planning on doing a pairing, so they have more time to prep.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit and found our recent expansions appealing.
It's always heartening to know when our guests recognize and appreciate the efforts we've made to enhance our estate and offer a multifaceted experience. Your kind words about our art gallery, curio shop, and the artistic pieces dotted around the grounds truly warm our hearts.
We're delighted that you enjoyed the Oyster Pairing, and we couldn't agree more about Colin's charm and expertise! Our team works tirelessly to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience, and it's great to hear that we hit the mark during your visit.
Your recommendation to make a booking in advance is indeed a helpful tip for future visitors, and we're grateful you mentioned it. It helps us ensure that we can provide the best possible experience.
Lastly, thank you for your kind words about our Sauvignon Blanc. We are proud of our wines, and it's always rewarding when guests appreciate them as much as we do.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Benguela Cove in the future, perhaps to try some of our other tasting and pairing options!
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zelda g
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
We went there for the kids to play cave golf. The sign at the entrance showed open. upon arrival at the venue. An contractor came to us as we got out of the vehicle to inform us that the venue of the cave golf is closed for renovations. It was a dissapointment and a waste of time and fuel.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
First and foremost, I would like to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment you experienced during your recent visit to our Private Cellar Walking Tour venue. We understand how frustrating it must have been, especially when visiting with kids eager to play Adventure Golf.
It is absolutely our responsibility to ensure that clear communication is provided about our winter renovations, especially when it involves popular activities. It's evident that there was a lapse in updating our signage, and we deeply regret this oversight.
Please be assured that your feedback is invaluable to us and will be used constructively. We are taking immediate measures to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is available at all entry points and on our online platforms.
While I understand that this doesn't make up for the disappointment, I hope you will consider giving us another opportunity in the future.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we genuinely hope we can make it right for you in the future.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven W
Brighton, UK18 contributions
Jul 2023
We had an excellent w/e away staying at a beautiful villa on the Benguela Wine Estate. The Villa was 5 stars with amazing views across the bay. Enjoyed a very informative wine tour through the vineyard tasting the various wines along the way followed by a delicious lunch in Moody Lagoon restaurant.
All the staff were very professional and attentive - a great place to stay and will be returning.
All the staff were very professional and attentive - a great place to stay and will be returning.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had an excellent weekend getaway with us.
It's heartening to know that you enjoyed the ambiance and views from the villa, and found it up to the 5-star standard we aim to provide. Our vineyard tours are crafted to offer both an informative and delightful experience, and it's great to hear that you relished the wine tasting and the subsequent lunch at the Moody Lagoon restaurant.
Our staff takes immense pride in offering warm and professional service, and your kind words will surely motivate and encourage them further.
Thank you for choosing Benguela Cove for your weekend escape. We're looking forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Until then, may the memories of your time with us linger pleasantly in your thoughts.
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HeidiPap
Cape Town Central, South Africa751 contributions
Rate 5
What a Beautiful Place and Stunning Art Work. It's truly a Hidden Gem and A Must Do when in the Area. From food to location to Staff it's 5 out of 5 for Everything
What a Beautiful Place and Stunning Art Work. It's truly a Hidden Gem and A Must Do when in the Area. From food to location to Staff it's 5 out of 5 for Everything
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benguelacoveteam
Thank you so much for your glowing review and the 5-star rating of our Family Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting experience! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable time with us.
Your kind words about our location, artwork, and particularly our staff mean the world to us. We strive to create a unique and holistic experience for all our visitors, and it's truly gratifying to know that we were able to meet your expectations.
Thank you for considering us a "Hidden Gem" and recommending us as a must-do in the area. Your endorsement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.
We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon. Until then, keep savoring the fond memories of your visit!
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@Hermien
2 contributions
May 2023
We held a conference in the restaurant at Benguela Cove and we had 5 star treatment from the management and staff. They could not be more generous, helpful and friendly. The venue is world- class and the surrounding natural environment absolutely spectacular. A must visit if you are in the area.
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at our restaurant in Benguela Cove. We are delighted to hear that you received 5-star treatment from our management and staff. Providing exceptional service is at the core of our values, and we are thrilled that our team went above and beyond to make your conference a memorable one.
We are proud of our world-class venue, and it brings us immense joy to know that you found it to be outstanding. The natural environment surrounding Benguela Cove is indeed spectacular, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be situated in such a breathtaking location. It is our aim to provide not just a fantastic dining experience, but also a setting that enhances the overall atmosphere and ambiance.
Your recommendation means a lot to us. We are thrilled that you consider Benguela Cove a must-visit for anyone in the area. We strive to consistently deliver exceptional experiences, and feedback like yours motivates us to continue exceeding expectations.
Once again, thank you for your kind words and for choosing our restaurant for your conference. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future for another memorable visit.
Written 31 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
priscillaswan2023
Stellenbosch, South Africa1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
Booking process was a nightmare,
No one answers 24h emergency number
No oven mits, chopping boards, only one dishtowel, spider webs everywhere on outside, coffee machine with no pods, bed linen stained although clean, main bedroom was smelly. And then they still have audacity to tell me I have not paid in full via whatsapp when we left after I had sent them all proof of payments weeks in advance and I had to follow up several times just to confirm booking was made. Not a place I will visit again.
No one answers 24h emergency number
No oven mits, chopping boards, only one dishtowel, spider webs everywhere on outside, coffee machine with no pods, bed linen stained although clean, main bedroom was smelly. And then they still have audacity to tell me I have not paid in full via whatsapp when we left after I had sent them all proof of payments weeks in advance and I had to follow up several times just to confirm booking was made. Not a place I will visit again.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you experienced during your stay at our luxury villa. We deeply regret that your booking process was not up to your expectations and that you encountered difficulties reaching our 24-hour emergency number. We understand the frustration and concern this must have caused you, and we assure you that we are actively working to improve our communication channels and response times to prevent such issues in the future.
Regarding the lack of certain amenities such as oven mitts, chopping boards, and an insufficient number of dish towels, we apologize for any inconvenience caused. We strive to provide a fully equipped and comfortable environment for our guests, and we will take immediate action to rectify these oversights. Additionally, we apologize for the presence of spider webs outside the villa. We have a regular pest control and maintenance program in place, and we will ensure that this issue is promptly addressed to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness.
We also apologize for the absence of coffee pods for the coffee machine. While we provide complimentary supplies upon arrival, it seems there was an oversight in restocking them for your stay. We appreciate your feedback on this matter, and we will review our procedures to ensure that such oversights are avoided in the future.
Regarding the stained bed linen and the unpleasant odor in the main bedroom, we apologize for the discomfort caused. Cleanliness is of utmost importance to us, and we have implemented stringent quality control measures to maintain the highest standards. We will thoroughly investigate and address the issues you mentioned to prevent any recurrence.
We apologize for any confusion regarding the payment. Our records should have reflected your complete payment, and we regret any inconvenience caused by the miscommunication. We will review our internal processes to ensure that accurate and timely information is provided to our guests.
We deeply regret that your experience fell short of your expectations, and we understand your decision not to visit again. We would like to assure you that we take all feedback seriously and use it as an opportunity for improvement. Your comments will be shared with our team to address the issues you highlighted and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
We value your feedback and appreciate your patience and understanding. Should you reconsider, we would be delighted to welcome you back and provide you with an exceptional experience that reflects the true luxury and comfort we strive to offer.
Written 31 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
