The main aim was to build a “winemaker friendly “ cellar and we therefore consulted the experienced and well-known South African winemaker, Gunter Brozel, to design our cellar. After an interview with Gunter , a three-year cellar-designing journey commenced. An in depth study of recently built cellars (1999-2000) was done, the pro’s and con’s were considered and a hand drawn plan for the new Vrede en Lust Cellar was made!
After a base plan for the cellar was obtained from a group of structural engineers, the contract was allocated to the local Paarl architects, Malherbe en Rust. Their drawings fitted practically with the chosen concept of Gunter as well as the architectural feel of the historic Vrede en Lust homestead.
The 500-ton cellar was built and equipped in an 11 month period, with only two minor changes made to the original plan.
Originally the cellar was built to ferment 500-tons of red grapes from the Simonsberg-Paarl vineyards. The cellar undergone some minor changes since 2001, including the expansion of the cellar capacity for white wine when Casey’s Ridge, the cold climate farm in the Elgin valley, was bought. The cellar now has a capacity of 750-tons to split between both white and red wines!
Another significant change was the 220KVa solar plant which was added in 2012, enabling the cellar the to function of the grid for most of the year.
Vrede en Lust yearly produces 45 000 cases of wine, which is split over 14 varietals and some blends. Karlin Nel, our cellar master, is currently running the cellar after she replaced our previous cellar master, Susan Erasmus, in 2017.
Vrede en Lust Cellar Tours
Join one of our Red Ladies on one of our informative and educational cellar tours. See and learn more about our wine production facility, winemaking equipment, winemaking techniques and how they affect the style of our wines.
Cellar tours are hosted on a regular schedule over weekends and peak seasons, or by appointment. Cellar Tours must be booked in advance.
Peak Harvest Season
- During the peak harvest season (1 February - 31 March) we have to restrict access to the winery due to harvest.
- Cellar tours will only be allowed during harvest for intimate, smaller groups.
Bookings
- Bookings are recommended ahead of your visit
- Please book in advance when planning to do a cellar tour in the month of December
- Only a restricted number of guests are allowed per cellar tour - MAX 20 pax
- Please note - it is absolutely vital that visitors arrive with safe, non-slip footwear for the cellar and winemaking tour
- No high-heels or shoes with leather soles will be allowed during cellar tours
- Please note that the surface of the cellar is wet and slippery so please be cautious
- Visitors enter at their own risk
- R25 per person