Vrede en Lust Estate

Vrede en Lust Estate

Vrede en Lust is a family owned and managed wine estate set in the beautiful surroundings of the Simonsberg foothills, in the Franschhoek wine valley. The story of Vrede en Lust goes back to 1688, over 320 years ago, when Flemish merchant Jacques de Savoye arrived at the Cape with the French Huguenots. Since then the estate has had numerous owners until 1996, when the Buys family became its 17th owners. The family took the estate though a renewal program and fully realised its exceptional winemaking potential. The estate is a 55 hectare farm with approximately 36 hectares currently under vine, 1.5 hectares of olive trees and 3 hectares of Grenache. Vrede en Lust Estate offers vineyard tours, cellar tours and wine tasting 7 days a week, from 10:00 to 17:00 from 1 September until the end of May and from 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Sunday, from 1 June until the end of August. The estate celebrates the harvest every year in early March on a day they call De Savoye Day, in honour of the estate's original owner. It gives visitors the broadest access to all we do in the winery and vineyards.

The landmark thatch cottage at the entrance to Vrede en Lust known as Cotage Fromage Country Bistro & Deli, has undergone significant renovation in recent years, while its menu has been recreated by top Winelands Chefs. The restaurant runs full-time, catering for up to 120 diners. The layout allows for private areas that may suit conferences or tour groups. And for functions of up to 70 guests there is now an intimate evening option at Cotage Fromage to complement their new Vineyard Terrace venue, which caters for larger events. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 8:00 till 17:00 from 1 September to 31 May. From 1 June to 31 August it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00.

The estate is also available as a wedding venue and booking it ensures that you will have full exclusive use of all of its facilities, including the historic cellar & vineyard terrace with seating for up to 140 people as well as the availability of the magnificent gardens for your wedding day photographs. Reception set-up of standard round tables, white plastic chairs, cutlery and crockery (excludes glassware) is also included. And all of this set between historical Cape Dutch architecture, undulating vineyards and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Directions from Cape Town:
Take the N1 to Paarl
See Directions from the N1 below
Directions From the N1 Pass the 1st Stellenbosch (Klipheuwel) turnoff
Take the R44 / Klapmuts turnoff from the N1
Turn Right and drive towards Klapmuts (pass under the bridge)
Cross over the first intersection (the R101) (less than 1 km from offramp)
Turn Left into the road to Franschhoek and the R45 (less than 1km from the R 101 intersection)
Follow the signs to Backsberg
Pass Backsberg and drive towards Franschhoek for another 4kms.
You will see Fredericksberg (RdeR) on the right hand side of the road
At that point, start slowing down and prepare for a Right turn.
Before the railway line crossing, and in front of the thatch cottage, you will see the gates that mark the entrance to Vrede-en-Lust.

For More information contact:

Tours and Wine Tasting:
Tel: +27-21-8741611
Fax: +27-21-8741859

Weddings and Functions:
Email: info@vnl.co.za

Cotage Fromage:
Tel: +27-21-8743991
Fax: +27-21-8741859
Or Email: Cotage@vnl.co.za