Nestled in the beautiful Devon Valley just 4 km outside of Stellenbosch lies one of the best kept secrets of the Cape Winelands.
The story of Clos Malverne
Seymour Pritchard bought the 10-hectare farm, Malvern Heights, in 1969 from Colonel JW Billingham, who had named the farm after the rolling hills around Malvern in his native England.
When winemaking came into Seymour’s sights in the mid-1980’s, France was still the epicentre of the wine universe. He then added some “French Flair” to the name and changed it to Clos Malverne, due to the homestead on the farm being reminiscent of a Clos in France.
Award winning wines
We make traditional handcrafted wines, using open fermenters and basket presses in the most natural way possible. ” Seymour Pritchard
By 1985, Clos Malverne had been supplying its wine grapes to Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery for a number of years, when Jeremy Walker, now of Grangehurst farm, suggested to Seymour at a braai on Christmas Eve that they make wine from Clos Malverne’s grapes. Therefore, 800 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon were made in 1986, and the 1987 vintage was so encouraging, that Seymour decided to go into winemaking full time. The Cabernet Sauvignon ’88 was the first release to the public, and a year later Jeremy Walker joined Seymour as full-time winemaker.
During the 90’s Clos Malverne made significant inroads into the wine business, increased its vineyard plantations, which included Pinotage for the first time. Other red varietals, including Merlot and Shiraz, were also planted on selected sites with specific soil compositions to ensure the growth of premium grapes. In 1995 Clos Malverne was one of the very first wineries to produce a classic Cape Blend (a red wine consisting of at least 30% Pinotage, but not more than 70%). The wine was such a success that the flagship wine, called the Clos Malverne Auret, was changed from a Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot Bordeaux style blend to a Cape Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon / Pinotage). The Auret 1998 vintage was the first Cape Blend ever to receive 5-star status in the prestigious Platter Wine Guide.
After receiving such high praise, the same wine went on to be the South African Red Wine Champion in 2001; it was eventually awarded the Grand Prize as most outstanding wine (red or white) of that year.
Clos Malverne award winning wines can be tasted from Tuesday to Sunday and you can also order from their online shop – Click to shop
Ice Cream and Wine Experience
The Ice Cream and Wine Pairing is a Clos Malverne signature experience and is unique in the Winelands. – Menu
Guests are invited to come and enjoy a languid afternoon on our wraparound balcony, where you become one with nature with our prized vineyards right there in front of you. We have all the right ingredients including award-winning wines, a diverse, world-inspired menu and priceless views, to get your groove back for the week that lies ahead,” shares Executive Chef Anwar who describes his style as fuss-free outer-city dining.
Gourmet Lunch
Clos Malverne is a premier gourmet lunch destination in the Winelands and consistently rate amongst the top 3 restaurants in Stellenbosch – Tripadvisor
Please note that the Restaurant at Clos Malverne is closed on Mondays. Book here
Dinner in the Winelands
Clos Malverne is now open for dinner as well, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Accomodation:
9 luxurious guest rooms available make for the perfect place to be based in and around Stellenbosch. Each room is stylishly decorated to reflect the beautiful surroundings and is equipped with: flat screen TV with satellite channels; air-conditioning; free Wi-Fi & spacious bathroom.
Located a short 6km drive from the centre of Stellenbosch and 30 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport, visitors can relax among the lush vineyards, soaking up the beautiful Devon Valley vista.
For More Information click here
The SPA at Clos Malverne
Come and have relaxing spa treatments, whilst enjoying the breath-taking and peaceful Devon Valley surroundings. There are two treatment rooms which offer facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, body treatments & waxing. More Information here
The perfect place for Tour Groups
With its close proximity to Stellenbosch, only 4 km out of town, ample parking for large tour busses and a restaurant that seats 150 patrons, Clos Malverne is the perfect choice for touring groups large and small.
Clos Malverne also offers custom packages and experiences for tour operators.
Please see this guide for Tour Operators for more information
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