Have you ever stepped into a place so breathtakingly beautiful that your first instinct is to reach for your phone to capture the moment? Welcome to Clouds Estate, where everything feels like it’s made for your camera roll.
Located on the picturesque Helshoogte Pass, Clouds Wine and Guest Estate offers luxury accommodation at a boutique hotel, a selection of wines under its own label and a contemporary restaurant.
In 2012, Dutch owners, both lovers of food, wine and design, stumbled upon this hidden gem with its vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. It was love at first sight and, with a vision for its beauty and an eye for detail, they’ve transformed the estate into a dream destination. The name reflects the constant change in the scenery, with clouds scudding over the mountains and mist often blanketing the valley below in the morning.
“The estate’s ever-changing sky and vibrant colours create a perfect backdrop, with Simonsberg adding to the magic,”Clouds Estate general manager Marika Kok says. “As you sip your glass of wine and soak in the peaceful surroundings, the stunning views elevate the experience.”
Elegant rooms, private suites and villas, each offering a special slice of luxury, allow you to choose your ideal escape. “Whether you’re sitting in your room, on the terrace, by the pool, in the restaurant surrounded by artworks or walking in the vineyards, you can see the attention to detail,” Marika says. “The owners fell in love with South Africa and chose to select local artists’ work to complement the Dutch elements they brought from home.”
Designed to feel like staying at a friend’s house, the estate features neutral colours, oversized sofas, inviting nooks and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that let in light and stunning views. Original art, quirky design elements such as a horse lamp, and complementary snacks and Clouds
wine, are among the unique touches in the rooms and villas. Special gestures such as birthday brownies and a romantic turndown service complete with a bottle of MCC and rose petals for honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries are also included.
The decision to offer boutique accommodation and wine tourism was inspired by the owners’ desire to allow guests to escape from everyday life to a place where they can experience the tranquillity of a working wine farm. “Only a few places worldwide can offer this,” Marika says.
Don’t be surprised if you wake up to a little note on your pillow inviting you to pick grapes during harvest. To add even more to a memorable stay, guests can also take a walk through the wine cellar where the cool air is infused with the perfume of fermenting wine. “We love returning to Clouds for our anniversary celebrations,” guests Ian and Belinda Fairly of the United Kingdom say. “Thank you for a brilliant stay in the villa and always adding the special touches.”
Clouds Estate receives about 500 visitors a month in winter and 1 000 visitors a month in summer. Its primary market is locals and travellers from Europe, with most overseas summer visitors coming from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, followed by Switzerland, Sweden and America. “On average 40% of our guests return to Clouds, many more than once,” Marika says.
The restaurant is a key part of the estate’s experience. The chef uses seasonal fresh ingredients and is happy to design food and wine pairings on request.
Winemaker Donovan Rall has a simple philosophy when it comes to making wine. “We work hard during the growing season to get the vineyards in the best shape, and our wines are made in the most basic, natural and honest way possible,” he says.
He values innovation in the vineyard more than in the cellar. “Natural fermentations, foot stomping, cofermentations and using various types of traditional vessels such as big format French oak barrels, concrete and clay vessels, and from the next vintage also glass at various stages
of picking helps us to ultimately create balanced wines that speak of the soils and varietal character above anything else.”
Clouds’ signature wines include a remarkable Pinot Noir, which defies the typical association with the hot Stellenbosch climate and consistently receives high marks in Platter’s wine guide. The standout red blend originated from a field blend trial in the estate’s first 2016 year and quickly became a fan favourite. Clouds also produces an MCC which is ideal for the many events celebrated at the estate. The
wine range includes a Shiraz, Blanc de Noir crafted from Shiraz, Carignan and Grenache Noir, and Chardonnay, the owners’ personal favourite.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply wanting a romantic getaway, Clouds Estate invites you to immerse yourself in its beauty and be seduced by its charm.
To explore more articles in our December issue, Vat die pad, purchase our digital or print magazine here.
