The story of Hout Bay and our Manor House

There is more than 100 years of history to be found

The old manor house, built in the early 20th century by a Portuguese man was later known by locals as Winzerruh. During this period a german winemaker and his fellow friend a big black pig called the house a home. However during this period no vines were found on the property. The Sauvignon Blanc vines were first planted in 2006.

Winzerruh : a winemakers place of tranquility.

Our cottage, tucked away inside the vineyard was until 1984 the horse stable that offered space for a couple horses and hey. It wasn't until 1984 that the cottage was extended and turned into a separate house overlooking the valley.

Hout Bay was first mentioned by dutch settlers at around 1653 as there was no suitable wood to be found on the north side of Table Mountain at Table Bay. Since wood was required for ship building and repair and building houses - people started to explore the soundings and eventually found the primeval forests of Hout Bay; hence the name Hout Bay (afrikaans: houtbaai), Bay of Wood.

It was in 1607 that part of Hout Bay become known by traders as Chapmans Chance as it was recorded on sailing charts of the East India Company. The Captain of the Consent once sent his best mate, John Chapman ashore to look out for provisions as his ship got stuck near the bay.

The Chapmans Peak Drive, a road that was built in the early 20th century to connect Hout Bay with Nordhoek is now considered one of the most scenic Atlantic drives in the world.