AFTER A devastating fire in 2017 made it impossible to accommodate guests overnight, the refurbished hotel on the Lanzerac Wine Estate in the Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch is being showered with praise. The estate dates back to 1692, the manor house to 1959, and less than a year after reopening it’s been named South Africa’s Leading Wine Country Hotel for 2019 at the World Travel Awards. This after being honoured with the titles of Luxury Contemporary Hotel of the Year at the Africa & Middle East Luxury Travel Guide Awards and South Africa’s Most Outstanding Country Hotel at the 2019 Global Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards.

Lanzerac GM Emile Langenhoven recalls that after the fire it took 13 months  to restore the hotel to its former grandeur. “Since the reopening on 1 July 2018, we have dedicated our time and resources to developing our five-star service and memorable guest experiences.” And clearly the team’s efforts have paid off, having been given the nod for favourite hotel in the Cape winelands ahead of Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch, Grande Roche in Paarl and three properties in Franschhoek, namely La Residence, Mont Rochelle and Leeu Estates, the latter having won the title at the World Travel Awards in 2018 and 2017.

Puffing with confidence, Langenhoven says the ultimate aim is: “To attain global status as South Africa’s leading wine estate!” Furthermore, Lanzerac is committed to establishing Jonkershoek as one of the best wine-producing regions in South Africa and the world. Langenhoven believes that: “Jonkershoek has the potential to outgrow Stellenbosch in pedigree!”