Overview

Meerlust Wine Estate lies close to False Bay on the southern side of Stellenbosch, where cooling sea breezes and evening mists shape one of South Africa's most historic estate-wine portfolios.

The property is internationally associated with Rubicon, its benchmark Bordeaux-style blend. The focused range also includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all produced from estate-grown grapes.

Eight Generations of Family Heritage

Henning Huising settled on the farm in 1693 and named it Meerlust, meaning pleasure of the sea. The Myburgh family bought the estate in 1756 and has remained its custodian for eight generations.

The manor house, dovecot, cellar and tasting room form part of a historic complex declared a National Monument in 1987. The palm- and oak-lined drive remains one of the estate's defining sights.

The Home of Rubicon

Inspired by Bordeaux, Nico Myburgh and cellarmaster Giorgio Dalla Cia created an experimental Cabernet-led blend in 1978. The first commercial Rubicon vintage followed in 1980 and helped establish a new standard for South African red blends.

Rubicon brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from several distinct estate terroirs. Each parcel is vinified separately before blending and extended maturation in French oak.

Maritime Terroir

Meerlust is only around five kilometres from False Bay. The maritime influence moderates daytime temperatures and supports slow, even ripening across granite, shale, clay and alluvial soils.

This unusual coastal position allows the estate to produce both structured Bordeaux varieties and elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay within Stellenbosch.

Wine Tasting

The wine shop offers a relaxed standard tasting of the complete current range, including Rubicon. Reservations are only required for groups larger than ten.

A seated VIP tasting must be reserved in advance and includes current releases, an older Rubicon and another mature estate wine, presented in Riedel varietal glassware.