Benguela Cove Marks a Milestone: Ten Vintages and Counting

Early January brought the first grapes of 2026 into our cellar at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate – our earliest start to a harvest season yet. This year means more than just another vintage. It's our tenth year making wine in our own facility, a journey that's taken us from ambitious start-up to a Walker Bay estate recognised on international wine lists.

Where We Stand in South Africa's Wine Story

South Africa's wine industry turns 367 this year. The country made its first recorded wine from Cape grapes on 2 February 1659. We're adding a decade to that legacy – ten years of learning what cool-climate winemaking means in this unique corner of the Cape.

Before pressing began, our winemaking team held a Blessing of the Harvest. It's a ritual we've come to value: pouring last season's wine over the new crop, taking a breath before the cellar fills with the sound and energy of vintage work.

What Makes 2026 Different

South Africa's wine regions have now had two consecutive seasons without serious weather setbacks. That's not common. For us, it means our vineyards received consistent Atlantic cooling throughout ripening, giving us grapes with the balance we're after.

Starting early isn't about rushing – it's about responding to what the vines tell us. A decade of working this land has taught us to read the signs. When mist lifts off the lagoon each morning, our team already knows what needs doing.

The Harvest Vibe Extends to Our Restaurant

At Moody Lagoon Restaurant, the harvest season shapes what lands on your plate. The dining room overlooks the water and estate, and right now the kitchen's running a menu that makes the most of seasonal abundance.

What's Drawing Crowds:

• Fresh oysters matched with Estate Sauvignon Blanc
• Fig and cream cheese-stuffed beef fillet with Estate Syrah
• Our Raspberry Bomb paired with Cuvée58 Brut Rosé

Harvest brings visitors, so reservations are worth making if you're planning to join us.

Built for Wine Lovers and Families Alike

We've always seen Benguela Cove as more than just a working winery. Yes, serious wine happens in our cellar. But outside, families make use of the 18-hole Pirate Adventure Golf and Splash water park. Kids need their own kind of harvest memories.

Distance doesn't have to keep you from our wines either. The Lighthouse Collection and Vinography series ship internationally through our online shop. While barrel samples tell us this tenth vintage is developing beautifully, there's plenty to explore from previous years.

Why SA Wine Keeps Gaining Ground

The numbers tell part of the story: South Africa produces the eighth-most wine globally and ranks sixth in export volume. But estates across regions like Walker Bay are proving that SA offers more than volume. We're making wines with distinct character, shaped by unique climates and terroirs.

Ten Years Down, Many More Ahead

The 2026 grapes are already moving from press to tank. Ten years taught us plenty about these vineyards, about making wine in this climate, about building something that lasts.

As South Africa's wine industry marks 367 years, we're raising a glass at the end of our first decade. The next ten start now.

Visit Us:

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate R43, Walker Bay, Hermanus

Book a wine tasting | Reserve a restaurant table | Shop wines online | Plan your visit

In the Western Cape winelands, most estates operate on weekend schedules, catering primarily to weekend tourists and leaving wine lovers with limited midweek options. At Benguela Cove, we've taken a different approach – we're open seven days a week, 365 days a year. But this isn't just about convenience; it's a fundamental part of our philosophy that exceptional wine experiences shouldn't be confined to weekends.

Here's why we've made the commitment to daily accessibility and what it means for your wine experience at South Africa's only ocean-facing vineyard.