Knorhoek Wines

Simonsberg heritage since 1694

Knorhoek sits on Knorhoek Road off the R44, against the Simonsberg foothills—one of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine farms, with documented roots in 1694. French Huguenot settlement in the late seventeenth century helped seed viticulture across the district; later the Beyers and Van Niekerk families left a deep Cape Dutch imprint on the property’s buildings and culture. In 1998 the larger historic farm was subdivided, with a portion becoming neighbouring Quoin Rock. In 2019 the Gaiduk family acquired Knorhoek, pairing more than 330 years of heritage with a forward-looking sustainability and hospitality brief.

Today the working farm spans roughly 200 hectares: vines, broad lawns, oak shade, mountain trails, flamboyant resident peacocks, a deli tasting hub, craft gin, and guesthouse or self-catering stays so you need not race back to Stellenbosch town at last pour.

Wines and craft spirits

Knorhoek keeps the wine list focused rather than encyclopaedic—quality over catalogue. Standouts from the estate range include:

• Knorhoek Chenin Blanc — often from older / heritage vines; vibrant stone fruit, robust structure, and barrel maturation in some vintages (published notes have cited about 10 months).
• Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon — Simonsberg red with cranberry, cassis and berry fruit, juicy texture and chalky tannins; extended French-oak time (example notes ~20 months).

Estate messaging also highlights small-batch gins infused with indigenous botanicals—Citrus Zest Gin (juniper backbone with lime, naartjie, honey and chamomile) and Rose Bloom Gin (rose, juniper and spice with a lingering fresh finish)—plus craft-beer mentions in visitor guides. Confirm what is open at the deli when you arrive. Secondary profiles sometimes link winemaking and vineyard teams with Quoin Rock next door; useful context for the wider Knorhoek valley story, but always verify who is pouring on the day.

The deli, lawns and tasting

Wine tastings happen at the Knorhoek deli: indoors beside a winter fire or outdoors on the patio under old oaks overlooking green fields. Order wood-fired pizzas, bistro plates or platters alongside Chenin, Cabernet or a farm G&T. Stellenbosch Wine Route–style flight examples have included a fuller “Best of all” multi-wine tasting and separate white or red selections—treat older R70–R140 bands as historic and confirm current prices. Children are warmly welcomed; gardens and peacocks give young visitors something to watch while adults linger over the glass.

The mood is country rather than ceremonial: shake off city pace, claim a shady corner of lawn, and let the Simonsberg do the rest.

Stay and explore

Accommodation options typically include bed-and-breakfast guesthouse suites with patios or balconies, self-catering cottages with equipped kitchens, and a larger farmhouse for groups or families (private pool on some listings). Breakfast is commonly available to overnight guests; lunch ties back to the deli or restaurant offering. Outdoor drawcards include hiking, trail running and mountain-biking routes (guides cite loops from about 2 km to 7 km) with Simonsberg and False Bay views, birdwatching, picnic lawns, catch-and-release fishing by arrangement, and swimming pools including a natural-style and garden rock pool. Knorhoek has long been a country wedding and events destination; estate pages have also flagged venue developments as “coming soon,” so planners should enquire directly for the latest capacity and dates.

Visiting practicalities

Contact: +27 (0)21 865 2114 · info@knorhoek.co.za · Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch, 7600. Website: knorhoek.co.za. Published tasting windows in guides often run roughly 10:00–16:00 across much of the week (some lists show Wednesday–Sunday emphasis or differing Monday/Tuesday status)—phone ahead before you drive the R44 spur. The farm works equally well as a half-day tasting stop or a full weekend base for Simonsberg exploring.

Greater Simonsberg itinerary fit

Knorhoek anchors a Simonsberg / R44 day for travellers who want history, space and the option to stay overnight—not only a forty-five-minute pour. Pair with other Simonsberg Cabernet and Chenin specialists if you are building a mountain-foothill route; stay over if you want dawn trails and peacock mornings before the next cellar door. Families appreciate the lawns; couples appreciate the cottages; groups appreciate the farmhouse.

Visit tips

• Knorhoek Road off R44, Simonsberg foothills, Stellenbosch
• knorhoek.co.za · +27 21 865 2114 · info@knorhoek.co.za
• Taste Chenin, Cabernet and craft gin at the deli
• Pizzas, platters and lawn seating—family friendly
• B&B, self-catering cottages and farmhouse—book weekends early
• Trails for hike, run and MTB; ask for route guidance on arrival
• About 200 hectares of working farm—room to roam
• Confirm hours, dining and wedding-venue status before you plan
• Watch for peacocks on the lawns (and teach children gentle distance)

FAQ

How old is Knorhoek?

Farm heritage dates to 1694, placing it among Stellenbosch’s oldest wine properties, with Huguenot-era viticultural roots in the wider district story.

Who owns it now?

The Gaiduk family acquired Knorhoek in 2019, after earlier Beyers and Van Niekerk chapters and the 1998 subdivision that created Quoin Rock on part of the historic landholding.

Can I stay overnight?

Yes—guesthouse B&B rooms, self-catering cottages and farmhouse options are offered. Book via the estate for weekends and school holidays.

Is it good for children?

Yes. Guides consistently flag Knorhoek as child-friendly, with gardens, lawns, peacocks and space to explore between tastings.