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Stellenbosch · Western Cape

Muratie Wine Estate

Muratie Wine Estate is a wine farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. About 41 km from Cape Town.

41 km from Cape Town Restaurant Place to stay
Muratie Wine Estate
Photograph from the farm website

Muratie Wine Estate: Historic Simonsberg Wine Farm in Stellenbosch

Tucked into the Knorhoek Valley on the steep slopes of the Simonsberg, Muratie Wine Estate is one of the oldest and most atmospheric Stellenbosch wine estates. Dating back to 1685, when German soldier Laurens Campher first farmed the land then known as De Driesprong, Muratie invites visitors into a living museum of Cape wine history—cobwebbed tasting room, concrete fermenters, a chandelier-lit cellar, and wines named after the colourful characters who shaped the farm. Under the stewardship of the Melck family, this authentic Cape wine farm remains a magnet for travellers exploring the Stellenbosch wine route who want heritage, storytelling, and site-driven wines in equal measure.

Overview and History

Muratie’s story begins in 1685 under Simon van der Stel’s Cape administration. Laurens Campher was officially granted ownership in 1699 with instructions to cultivate the land. His love for Ansela van de Caab—a formerly enslaved woman emancipated in 1695—forms one of the Cape’s most enduring farm legends; their original homestead and a giant oak planted for Ansela still stand. In 1763 Martin Melck, a former VOC soldier who rose to become one of the Cape’s great land barons, acquired the property. The Melck–Beyers family held Muratie for some 120 years.

Later chapters brought Senator Sir Walter Stanford and Lady Alice Stanford, then artist George Paul Canitz, who pioneered Pinot Noir interest at the Cape and whose studio remains on the farm. Canitz’s daughter Alberta Annemarie became one of South Africa’s first women to own a wine estate. In 1987 Ronnie Melck fulfilled a family dream by returning Muratie to Melck ownership. Today Rijk and Kim Melck continue that custodianship, preserving the farm’s time-capsule character while building a modern legacy of quality. Muratie is also counted among South Africa’s historic “First 14” wine estates recognised under the Wine of Origin scheme.

Terroir and Location

Situated in the Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch on Simonsberg slopes (approximately 33.87°S, 18.88°E), Muratie benefits from cool elevated aspects, varied soils, and the mountain’s moderating influence. Each vineyard block is treated with reverence; intimate knowledge of soils and microclimates guides planting and picking. The estate’s steep Simonsberg terrain and Knorhoek setting place it firmly on the Greater Simonsberg stretch of the Stellenbosch wine route—ideal for travellers linking Simonsberg and northern Stellenbosch estates in a single day.

Signature Wines and Styles

Every Muratie wine is named after a person central to the farm’s narrative, turning a tasting into a guided walk through three centuries:

  • Ansela van de Caab – flagship Bordeaux-style red blend
  • Laurens Campher – flagship white blend honouring the pioneer farmer
  • Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon – structured estate Cabernet
  • Ronnie Melck Shiraz – iconic Shiraz tribute to the Melck return
  • Isabella Chardonnay, Alberta Annemarie Merlot, Canitz Pinot Noir
  • Lady Alice Méthode Cap Classique (100% Pinot Noir), Amber Forever Hanepoot from old vines
  • Barefoot Ben vintage Port from traditional Portuguese varieties, plus accessible styles such as Mr May Grenache Noir and Johanna dry rosé

In the cellar, tradition meets careful technology: concrete fermenters and meticulous block-by-block work aim for timeless elegance rather than fashion-driven excess.

Visitor Experience

Muratie’s cobwebbed tasting room—kept much as the Melcks found it in 1987—is a Stellenbosch landmark. Classic, premium, and flagship tastings are offered, with a private Story Room experience that pairs flagship wines with a heritage walk and cellar tour. The Farm Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Sunday in a heritage setting. Guests can browse the MOK Art Gallery (in Campher’s historic house), explore mountain-biking trails, and, for special occasions, join winemaker dinners or music events. Accommodation on the estate extends the atmospheric overnight stay. Contact: +27 21 865 2330; info@muratie.co.za.

Why Visit Muratie

Few Stellenbosch wine estates combine such unbroken storytelling with a working farm atmosphere. Muratie stands out for its preserved cellar character, wines that literally carry the names of Cape history, Melck family hospitality, and a Simonsberg setting that feels removed from the busy valley floor. It is especially rewarding for visitors who value authenticity, art, and heritage alongside serious reds, Cap Classique, and fortified styles.

Practical Visit Tips

Muratie lies roughly 7 km north of Stellenbosch town in Knorhoek, easily reached as part of a Simonsberg or northern Stellenbosch wine-route loop. Wine sales and tastings typically run daily; the Farm Kitchen is Wednesday–Sunday—confirm hours before you go. Book private Story Room or larger group experiences in advance. Pair Muratie with neighbouring Simonsberg estates for a full day of mountain-fringe terroir tasting. Bring a sense of curiosity: guides love sharing the characters behind each bottle.

Atmosphere and Working Farm Character

What sets Muratie apart on the Stellenbosch wine route is how deliberately the Melck family have protected sensory memory. The tasting room’s cobwebs are not neglect; they are a conscious decision to keep a century-old wine experience intact. Concrete fermenters, the romantic chandelier in the cellar, and the possibility of being invited to lend a hand on a working farm all reinforce that this is not a polished theme-park cellar. Art remains woven into daily life through the gallery in Laurens Campher’s historic house and the lingering presence of George Paul Canitz’s studio. Mountain-biking trails and occasional helicopter wine-safari arrivals from Cape Town add contemporary adventure without erasing Knorhoek’s quiet. Whether you come for Pinot Noir, Cap Classique, Port, or the Ansela Bordeaux-style blend, Muratie asks you to slow down and listen—to guides, to oak leaves, and to three centuries of Simonsberg stories still being written.

For SEO-minded travellers researching Stellenbosch wine estates, Muratie consistently ranks among must-visit Simonsberg addresses because it delivers verifiable history (1685 origins, First 14 WO status), distinctive visitor cues (cobwebs, named wines), and Melck-family continuity. Pair it with a Farm Kitchen lunch and you have a full half-day that feels both educational and deeply local—exactly the authenticity many international visitors seek when exploring South Africa’s Cape winelands beyond the best-known valley-floor names.

Things to do at Muratie Wine Estate

  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Classic Tasting

    Selection of 5 wines in the cobwebbed tasting room.

    Price R120 per person

    Booking: Walk-in welcome Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00; groups of 8+ by appointment only. Contact wine@muratie.co.za or +27 21 865 2330.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Premium Tasting

    Selection of 5 premium wines.

    Price R180 per person

    Booking: Walk-in welcome Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00; groups of 8+ by appointment. wine@muratie.co.za / +27 21 865 2330.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Other experiences

    Flagship Additions

    Selection of 6 flagship wines.

    Price R360 per person

    Booking: Walk-in welcome Mon–Sun 09:00–17:00; groups of 8+ by appointment. wine@muratie.co.za / +27 21 865 2330.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    The Story Room Tasting

    Private tasting: selection of 6 flagship wines, heritage walk, and cellar tour. Pre-book; 2–10 guests max.

    Price R1 000 per person

    Booking: Pre-book required (2–10 max). wine@muratie.co.za / +27 21 865 2330.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Restaurants & dining

    Farm Kitchen (Breakfast & Lunch)

    Heritage restaurant serving breakfast and lunch on the terrace or in the old cellar. Corporate/group lunches and dinners by prior arrangement.

    Price À la carte (menu pricing not listed online); special menu on event days

    Booking: Open Wed–Sun: breakfast 09:00–11:30, lunch 11:30–16:00. Larger groups by prior arrangement: dine@muratie.co.za / +27 21 865 2330. Closed Good Friday, Christm...

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Walks, trails & outdoors

    Mountain Biking (Dirtopia / Simonsberg Trails)

    MTB on Simonsberg trail system from Dirtopia Trail Centre on Muratie; up to ~35 km of singletrack (green beginner to blue intermediate/advanced).

    Price R100 per person per day (day permit); annual permit R900 Duration Self-paced; open daily

    Booking: Permit at Muratie Tasting Room / Dirtopia Trail Centre or online at https://www.dirtpass.co.za/product/permits/. Indemnity required. Bike rentals (hardtails)...

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Walks, trails & outdoors

    Hiking Trails

    Circular ~3.5 km hiking trail with 220+ hand-built steps to Gilloolys viewpoint; optional Cork Oak / View / Jakhalskloof extensions (follow blue footprint arrows).

    Price R75 per person per day Duration Approx. 1–2 hours depending on route

    Booking: Day permit from Muratie Tasting Room or Dirtopia Trail Centre / DirtPass. Occasional full-moon/sunset hikes announced on Dirtopia social media.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Walks, trails & outdoors

    Trail Running

    Singletrack trail running above the cellar; Strava competition on 6.5 km orange loop.

    Price R75 per person per day Duration Self-paced

    Booking: Day permit from Muratie Tasting Room or Dirtopia Trail Centre / DirtPass.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Other experiences

    MOK Art Gallery

    Art gallery in the original home of Laurens Campher and Ansela van de Caab; heritage-inspired exhibitions by local artists; artworks for purchase.

    Price Free to browse (artworks for sale)

    Booking: Visit during estate hours; enquiries info@muratie.co.za / +27 21 865 2330.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    GP Canitz Guest Cottage

    Self-catering farm cottage (queen bed, ensuite, lounge with fireplace, kitchen, braai). Includes complimentary premium tasting and Simonsberg hiking/MTB trail pass. Max 2 adults.

    Price Rates via online booking (not listed as fixed tariff) Duration Overnight stay

    Booking: Book via ‘Book Accommodation’ on site or info@muratie.co.za. 50% prepayment to confirm. Check-in 14:00–17:00; check-out before 10:00.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Ben Prins Studio

    Cosy studio (double bed, kitchenette) off the heritage square, attached to historic homestead. Includes complimentary premium tasting and trail pass. Max 2 adults.

    Price Rates via online booking (not listed as fixed tariff) Duration Overnight stay

    Booking: Book via ‘Book Accommodation’ on site or info@muratie.co.za. 50% prepayment to confirm.

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Helicopter Wine Safari (Cape Town Helicopters Explore Col...

    Private helicopter flight V&A Waterfront ↔ Muratie with half-day on estate: wine tasting, lunch, MOK Art Gallery, optional MTB trails.

    Price Priced by Cape Town Helicopters (third-party; not listed on Muratie site) Duration Approx. 3–4 hours

    Booking: Book via Cape Town Helicopters Explore Collection; Muratie ground time ~2–3 hours; total experience ~3–4 hours.

    Details on the farm website ↗

Browse all experience types

Wines made here

Wine list from wine.co.za. The taste words are drawn from those notes, which are not reprinted here. Ask the cellar door what is pouring on the day.

Visiting with kids

Farm Kitchen meals and outdoor estate grounds with trails; children welcome if closely supervised.

Possible with kids. About 58 min from Cape Town.

LawnsCasual food

  • hiking
  • MTB trails

Muratie Wine Estate is a limited family stop: Farm Kitchen meals and outdoor grounds with hiking and MTB trails. Children are welcome if closely supervised by an accompanying adult. No own food or wine may be brought. No pets (estate dogs on site). Harvest-festival kids activities are seasonal events, not year-round play infrastructure — do not expect a permanent playground or kids menu. Casual food and lawns help for a quiet lunch between trail stretches. Best for families who want supervised trails and a farm kitchen meal, not a dedicated kids destination with play equipment. Check whether any harvest-festival kids events fall on your travel dates.

Before you go

  • Dogs are not welcome.
Is there a playground?

No year-round play infrastructure; harvest-festival kids activities are seasonal events only.

Can children visit?

Yes, if closely supervised by an accompanying adult.

Are pets allowed?

No — pets are not allowed (estate dogs on site).

Nearby with children

  • Jan Marais Nature Reserve — Nature reserve, Stellenbosch · 2 km
  • Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden — Nature reserve, Stellenbosch · 2 km Website
  • Jonkershoek Nature Reserve — Walk or hike, Stellenbosch · 7 km Website
  • Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve — Nature reserve, Stellenbosch · 7 km Website

Family notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm on the farm’s website before you drive. Source. More family farms in Stellenbosch. Things to do near this farm. Stay on this farm. Weddings on this farm.

Staying here

Two intimate farm stays: historic GP Canitz art-studio cottage (queen + lounge/fireplace/kitchen/braai) and Ben Prins Studio kitchenette — breakfast, premium tasting and trail pass included.

Place to stay. About 58 min from Cape Town. 54 min from the airport. GP Canitz Guest Cottage|Ben Prins Studio.

Cottage, Self-catering. Sleeps 2 a unit. Up to 4 guests. 2 units.

BreakfastRestaurantKitchen

Simonsberg historic farm; heritage square; alpacas

Muratie Wine Estate is a verified wine-farm accommodation listing in the Stellenbosch (audit region: Stellenbosch). Stay types noted: cottage, self_catering.

Named properties: GP Canitz Guest Cottage; Ben Prins Studio.

Two intimate farm stays: historic GP Canitz art-studio cottage (queen + lounge/fireplace/kitchen/braai) and Ben Prins Studio kitchenette — breakfast, premium tasting and trail pass included.

Setting / views noted: Simonsberg historic farm; heritage square; alpacas.

Amenities flagged in the audit: self-catering, breakfast included, onsite restaurant.

Official rack rates were not published as a dated rate_from in our audit — confirm pricing on the estate’s booking page.

We only publish facts from official sources gathered in the stay audit (Last checked 5 October 2026). Re-confirm units, min stays, child policy and load-shedding backup on the estate’s own booking page before you pay a deposit.

Travellers comparing Stellenbosch wine-farm stays should match stay type (hotel vs cottage), dated rate basis, and child or pet rules before shortlisting Muratie Wine Estate.

Before you book

  • Pets are not listed as welcome.
Does Muratie Wine Estate offer wine farm accommodation?

Yes — our audit marks has_accommodation as

yes

, with named stay products listed above.

What are the property names?

GP Canitz Guest Cottage; Ben Prins Studio.

Do you publish a current rate for Muratie Wine Estate?

No dated `rate_from`/`rate_year` pair is available to quote as current. Check the official booking page.

Which amenities are flagged?

Audit flags include: self-catering, breakfast included, onsite restaurant. Policies change — confirm in writing for your dates.

Where should I book?

Prefer the estate’s official booking URL from our source list. See also how to book wine farm accommodation on this site.

Stay notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm the rate and what is open before you book. Book. Source. More stays in Stellenbosch. With kids. Weddings.

Weddings here

Events at Muratie: garden ceremonies and terrace/restaurant/cellar venues while a new events space is under construction.

Hosts weddings. About 58 min from Cape Town. 54 min from the airport.

Rooms on siteIn-house cateringOutdoorIndoor

Terrace; garden; restaurant; cellar; Story room; new venue under construction (replacing former Canvas)

Garden under camphor trees for wedding or commitment ceremony

Historic Knorhoek estate; Simonsberg; camphor trees

Muratie Wine Estate is a wine-farm wedding venue in Stellenbosch, known for historic knorhoek estate. Events at Muratie: garden ceremonies and terrace/restaurant/cellar venues while a new events space is under construction.

At a glance

  • Spaces: Terrace; garden; restaurant; cellar; Story room; new venue under construction (replacing former Canvas)
  • Ceremony: Garden under camphor trees for wedding or commitment ceremony
  • Accommodation: on site
  • Catering: in-house

Rates on enquiry. Enquire via info@muratie.co.za.

Score: +2 venue/events page +1 ceremony +1 catering +1 multiple spaces +1 setting +1 accom (GP Canitz cottage) = 7. Former Muratie Canvas marquee (secondary muratiecanvas.co.za) being replaced Indoor/outdoor use: both.

Couples comparing wedding venues in Stellenbosch or the Helderberg should confirm ceremony timing, rain plans, supplier rules and noise curfews in writing. Use the estate's official enquiry channel and ask for a dated quote for your guest count.

Last checked 5 October 2026 against the estate's official information. Confirm details directly before booking.

Does Muratie Wine Estate publish a guest capacity?

No clear seated capacity was published on the pages we checked. Ask the estate for current limits.

Can we have an outdoor ceremony at Muratie Wine Estate?

Published ceremony options include: Garden under camphor trees for wedding or commitment ceremony. Confirm weather plans when you book.

Is there accommodation on site?

Yes, on-site accommodation is listed.

What does a wedding at Muratie Wine Estate cost?

Rates are on enquiry. Ask for a written quote covering venue hire, catering and any accommodation.

Is catering in-house?

Yes — in-house or on-estate catering is indicated in the published materials.

Wedding notes checked 5 October 2026. Guest numbers and packages change. Ask the farm for the current offer. Enquire. Source. More wedding farms in Stellenbosch. With kids. Stay. Tours.

Tours that stop here

All wine tours

Questions before you go

Where is Muratie Wine Estate?

Muratie Wine Estate is in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Most visitors drive there from Cape Town in 45–60 minutes.

When is Muratie Wine Estate open?

Open Sunday. Hours change, so call +27 21 865 2330 before you drive.

How much is a wine tasting at Muratie Wine Estate?

From R120 · Book ahead · Groups of 8 by appointment. Prices change, so confirm when you book.

Is Muratie Wine Estate open on Sundays?

The wine route lists Muratie Wine Estate as open on Sundays. Sunday hours are often shorter, so call +27 21 865 2330 first.

Can I eat at Muratie Wine Estate?

Yes, there is a restaurant on the farm. Book ahead for weekend lunches.

Can I stay over at Muratie Wine Estate?

Yes, the farm offers accommodation. Call +27 21 865 2330 for rates and availability.

Wine of Origin

Geographical unit: Western Cape → Coastal Region → Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the flagship Wine of Origin district of the Cape: granite mountains, university town, and the densest cluster of visitor-ready wine farms in the country.

Terroir snapshot

Elevation and soil figures are modelled at the pin, not a vineyard block survey. Use them to compare farms, not to quote a technical sheet.

Latitude
-33.919213
Longitude
18.870342
Elevation
174 m (Open-Meteo)
Soil pH
6.2 (SoilGrids 0–5 cm)
Clay
14% (SoilGrids)
Organic C
52.7 g/kg (SoilGrids)

Sources

  • OpenStreetMap node 12252832401
  • Wine route membership: association listing
  • Wine list: wine.co.za
  • Family notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Stay notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Wedding notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Tours: operator pages
  • Elevation: Open-Meteo
  • Soil: ISRIC SoilGrids

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