Where Ocean Meets Vineyard in Hermanus

Discover the beauty, wines, and lifestyle of Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate.

Opening Hours

  • Spring & Summer: 09:30 - 21:00
  • Autumn & Winter: 09:30 - 18:00

At Benguela Cove, we offer a variety of experiences, from Wine Tasting to Adventure Golf and dining at the Moody Lagoon Restaurant. Each activity has unique operating hours to suit your visit.

Expand below to view the specific times for each section of our estate.

Wine Tasting
  • Spring & Summer: 09:30 - 21:00
  • Autumn & Winter: 09:30 - 18:00
Moody Lagoon Restaurant

Brunch (Weekends & Public Holidays): 09:30 - 11:30

Lunch: Daily, 12:00 - 17:00

Gourmet Picnics (Wed - Sun): 11:00 - 16:00

Family Sharing Sunday Lunch: 12:00 - 17:00

Art Gallery

Spring and Summer: 09:30-21:00

Autumn and Winte: 09:30-18:00

Adventure Golf

Friday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Public Holidays: 10:00 - 18:00

School Holidays: 10:00 - 18:00

Plan Your Visit

As part of the Benguela Cove estate experience, guests can choose from a variety of activities suited to all ages. Whether visiting briefly, spending the day, or staying for the weekend, we offer wine tastings and dining at Moody Lagoon, along with family activities such as the splash pool and adventure golf.

image column image
A Quick Stop

At Benguela Cove, enjoy a brief stop as part of the estate experience. Sip a glass of sparkling MCC, taste our wines, or enjoy a snack, platter, or meal at Moody Lagoon.

Experiences
image column image
Make a Day of It

Make a day of it at Benguela Cove. Enjoy a wine tasting, a meal at Moody Lagoon, or scenic hikes and an eco boat cruise. Try sabrage for a touch of excitement and a full day of indulgence.

Moody Lagoon
image column image
Bring the Kids!

A family day with activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy Adventure Golf and the splash pool, while adults relax with wine or a meal. Scenic walks offer fun for the whole family.

Bring the Kids!
image column image
Staying Over

Stay in our luxury villas for a full Benguela Cove experience. Enjoy wine tastings, scenic walks, boat rides, and dining at Moody Lagoon, all within the estate grounds.

Book Now

Know Before You Go

Benguela Cove is designed for all guests to enjoy with ease. The estate is wheelchair accessible and offers a range of activities for children, including Pirate Golf, the splash pad, giant games, jungle gyms, and dedicated kids’ menus. Visitors are welcome to bring dogs on leads. Please remember sun protection and note that the estate operates on a cash-free basis. For more information, view our FAQs here.

Where is Benguela Cove located? 

Benguela Cove is located in the Walker Bay wine region between Cape Town and Hermanus, approximately 90 minutes from Cape Town and just 15-20 minutes from Hermanus town centre via the R43. The estate is in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere and features the longest stretch of ocean-facing vineyards (2.7km) grown at the lowest altitude above sea level (3m).

Who owns Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate?

Benguela Cove is owned by Penny Streeter OBE, a wine and hospitality entrepreneur who acquired the estate in 2013. Under her ownership, the estate has transformed into one of the World's Best Vineyards and a leading producer in the Walker Bay region. Penny Streeter also owns Leonardslee Family Vineyards in West Sussex, UK, creating a unique connection between South African and English winemaking expertise.

What are the opening hours?
  • Tasting Room: Daily 9:00-18:00 (until 21:00 for special events) 
  • Moody Lagoon Restaurant:  
  • Lunch: Daily 12:00-17:00 
  • Brunch: Weekends and public holidays 09:30-12:00 (Breakfast special served on Saturdays from 08:00 after Benguela Cove Parkrun) 
  • Dinner: Selected evenings and peak season 
  • Adventure Golf & Splash Pad: Friday-Sunday and daily during school holidays 
Is Benguela Cove family-friendly?

Absolutely! Benguela Cove is a child-friendly wine farm, offering activities for all ages. We offer: 

  • Pirate Adventure Golf with caves, footbridges and cascading waterfalls 
  • Splash Pad water park 
  • Blackbeard's Diner with kids' menus 
  • Family pontoon cruises 
  • Safe, open spaces for children to explore 
Are pets allowed?

Benguela Cove Wine Estate is pet friendly. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. For safety reasons, we prefer to keep dogs off the golf course and splash pad areas where small children are playing.

What type of cuisine does Moody Lagoon offer?

The restaurant showcases the best in South African cookery, featuring beautifully presented French-influenced dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. Under Executive Chef Christo Hattingh's guidance, our menus change based on fresh seasonal produce and the best, sustainably sourced ingredients available.

Do I need to book a table? 

Yes, booking is highly recommended, especially for weekends and peak season. Contact us at 087 357 0637. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.

What are the dining options?
  • À la carte lunch menu 
  • Family Sharing Lunch (both sharing platters and individual options) 
  • Gourmet picnics (book 24 hours in advance) 
  • Chef's Blackboard specials at the Vineyard Pavilion (Friday & Saturday evenings 18:00-21:00) 
  • Multi-course wine pairing menus (pre-booking required)
How costly is Moody Lagoon?

All estate wines are served at cellar door prices, offering excellent value. The restaurant caters to various budgets with options from casual fare to fine dining experiences. Recent visitor feedback mentions platters around R500 and wine tastings from R185. (double-check sheet for any update here)

Is there a dress code?

Smart casual is perfectly acceptable. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated.

Can the restaurant accommodate dietary requirements? 

Yes, please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking. Our chefs are experienced in catering to various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

What types of villas are available?

Three-, four- and five-bedroom private villas offer an exceptional stay for guests seeking a tranquil and exclusive retreat. Each villa is exquisitely appointed and includes a fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathrooms.

What amenities are included in the villas? 

The villas are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, inverters, swimming pools, fireplaces, and outdoor braai areas. Each villa also has its own private hot tub or pool and patio, the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views.

How many guests can the villas accommodate?

The villas can accommodate between 6 to 10 guests, making them perfect for families, holiday groups, and friends.

How far are the villas from the main facilities?

All villas are conveniently located on the estate with easy access to the restaurant, tasting room, and activities.

Can we self-cater in the villas?

Yes, all villas have fully equipped kitchens. However, with Moody Lagoon restaurant and various dining options on-site, many guests enjoy a mix of self-catering and dining out.

Is there a minimum stay requirement? 

Provide detailed answers to customer questions using this text.

What wines does Benguela Cove produce? 

Our portfolio includes: 

  • Sparkling: Méthode Cap Classique (Cuvée 58) 
  • White wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Viognier 
  • Red wines: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec 
  • Wine ranges: Lighthouse Collection, Estate Range, Vinography, Catalina
What makes Benguela Wines special?

Benguela Cove wines are unique for several reasons:

Exceptional Terroir: Our vineyards enjoy the longest ocean-facing stretch in South Africa (2.7km) at just 3m above sea level. This proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, combined with cooling from the Benguela Current flowing from Antarctica, creates ideal cool-climate conditions for slow, even ripening.

100% Estate Excellence: Every bottle is estate grown, produced and bottled, ensuring complete quality control from vine to glass. As a low-yield farm, we focus on premium quality over quantity.

Award-Winning Quality: Under Head Winemaker Johann Fourie's expertise, our wines consistently achieve 90+ point ratings from international critics. Our Catalina Sémillon 2022 achieved 95 points from Tim Atkin MW, and we've earned multiple 5-star Platter's ratings.

Cool-Climate Specialisation: The maritime influence and cool breezes create wines with exceptional freshness, elegance and complexity - particularly our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Sustainable Practices: As a WWF Conservation Champion in a UNESCO Biosphere, our wines reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship. The natural balance in our vineyards translates to pure, terroir-driven wines.

Limited Production: Many of our premium wines, like the Catalina range, come from single vineyard blocks and are produced in small quantities, making them truly special and collectible.

What wine experiences are available? 
  • Classic wine tastings (5 wines)
  • Wine blending experiences (create your own blend)
  • Cellar tours with senior wine ambassadors
  • Vineyard safaris
  • Wine and chocolate pairings 
  • Sabrage experiences
  • Pontoon wine tastings on the lagoon
Can I buy wine directly from the estate? 

Yes, all wines are available at cellar door prices at the tasting room. We also offer online purchasing with nationwide delivery.

Do you have a wine club?

When you join the Wine Club, you will receive 6 or 12 bottles of Benguela Cove wines on a seasonal basis in the months of February, May, August and November.

Are wine tastings available without booking?

Walk-ins are welcome daily at the tasting room, subject to availability. For groups of 6 or more, booking is essential.

What is the Lady Bonnie pontoon cruise?

The Lady Bonnie pontoon cruise offers visitors an educational experience as they explore the Bot-Kleinmond Estuarine System, ranked 8th most important estuary in South Africa. The eco-cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes wildlife viewing and optional wine service. The pontoon can host twelve passengers at a time.

When do pontoon cruises operate?

Pontoon cruises are available Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm, weather permitting. Booking is preferred though not essential.

What is the Adventure Golf experience?

An 18-hole miniature golf experience featuring caves, footbridges and cascading waterfalls, all amidst a fun-filled atmosphere, tropical landscaping and pirate theming.

What other activities are available?
  • Art gallery visits 
  • Vineyard safaris 
  • Nature walks on the 200-hectare estate 
  • E-kayaking 
  • Park Run (Saturdays at 8:00) 
  • Seasonal events and festivals
Can you host events and weddings? 

Our events team will assist you in all aspects of your function, and a member of the team will be on hand throughout your event to ensure everything goes to plan. We offer flexible packages for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.

Is there parking available? 

Yes, ample free parking is available on the estate.

What payment methods are accepted? 

Benguela Cove is a cash-free zone. We only accept payment by card. We accept all major credit cards.

Is the estate wheelchair accessible? 

The Lady Bonnie pontoon boat is wheelchair accessible, and we strive to ensure accessibility throughout the estate. Please contact us to discuss specific requirements.

Do you offer transport services?

Transport and shuttle services to and from Benguela Cove are available. Please enquire when booking.

What should I bring for a day visit?
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for vineyard tours
  • Camera for the stunning views
  • Swimwear if children plan to use the splash pad
  • Light jacket for pontoon cruises (can be breezy on the water)
Frequently asked question

Yes, we offer gift vouchers for various experiences including Family Vineyard Safaris, Wine Blending Experiences, Afternoon Tea, Wine Tastings and Food Pairings. Contact us for bespoke gift vouchers.

How do I contact Benguela Cove? 
What makes Benguela Cove unique?
  • WWF Conservation Champion status 
  • Located in a UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere 
  • Longest ocean-facing vineyards in South Africa (2.7km) 
  • Lowest altitude vineyards (3m above sea level) 
  • Award-winning wines with multiple 90+ point ratings 
  • Integrated luxury destination with dining, accommodation, and activities 

Travelling to Benguela Cove

Directions to the estate are shown on the map below. Located just 20 minutes from central Hermanus and only 80 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, reaching us is effortless.

Our team will arrange private airport transfers or shuttles at your request. Transport and Shuttle Services to and from the estate are also available.

Visit Us

Address:
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
R43, Bot River Lagoon, Hermanus

Phone:
087 357 0637

Email:
info@benguelacove.co.za