Paarl, Western Cape , South Africa

More than 2 decades ago, an intrepid seafarer and novice winemaker, with an inbred passion for land and sea, stood on the north-western slopes of Paarl Mountains. Looking out over the panoramic vistas of land, hills, Table Mountain and the Atlantis coast before him, he knew this 34-hectare piece of land would be his. He claimed it in 2002 as his Crow’s Nest. Within a year, vineyards were planted and the Fermentation wing of the beautiful Tuscan-style cellar was built.

Little did he know that within that year and under his label, Marcel de Reuck, his wines, carefully crafted like an alchemist perfecting his craft, were awarded multiple Veritas and Michaelangelo Gold, Silver and Bronze status. His 2003 Shiraz was voted best in the country while this wine-growing region, fondly known as “Pearl’s Gate”, was awarded top 2001 and 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz at the London Wine Show.
This unique terroir has the airflow from the Altlantic and cooler ripening periods , while Oakley and Swartland soils create the foundations to conjure up the magic of the vines, producing expressive wines with complexity, elegance and an abundance of mouth-watering flavours.

With its perfect location on the Agter-Paarl road (R44), the cellar is visible to, and easily accessible for tourists and visitors. It therefore has all the potential for business development such as a functions venue and/or a restaurant (approval exists, with the current owner holding a liquor license). However, with all the facilities and equipment already in place, the potential exists for the farm to return to its former glory as a fully productive wine cellar and tasting room. The majestic cellar building holds four 12,000-litre stainless steel tanks (included in the sale) and a loft apartment, kitchen and ablution facilities.

Five hectares of vineyards (not currently in full production) are planted with the cultivars of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Trincadeira, Viognier, Chardonnay and Merlot.

There is no scarcity of water:
8ha Scheme water, 14,000 l/h borehole(with a 6000 l/hour pump), plus a smaller borehole delivering 1,400 l/hour (with a 700 l/hour pump).

Accommodation and rental income on the farm consists of the following:

• The main house yielding an income of R26,500.00 pm, has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en-suite), a study, lounge, dining, kitchen, scullery, 2 garages and 2 carports.
• A cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is rented for R11,000pm.
• One staff cottage with one staff member living on the farm.
• Above the vast cellar entrance, a loft awaits with two bedrooms and a lounge accessible via a remarkable metal spiral staircase.
• The wedding venue rental is currently R25,000.00pm.
• A large custom-made steel and corrugated iron gazebo is utilizable for concerts or wedding ceremonies.

The end of an era is near and the intrepid seafarer, having conquered the art of winemaking, is being beckoned by the call of the Ocean and the Seven Seas. For him and for you, a brand new adventure awaits ….