Wine & culinary experiences around MBIZI lagoon house
Discover some of the most beautiful wine estates and dining experiences in the Overberg — just minutes from the lagoon.
The region around Hermanus and the Bot River Lagoon is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its exceptional wine culture.
Between ocean, mountains, and limestone-rich soils, a unique terroir has developed — producing elegant, characterful wines and creating a relaxed yet refined culinary scene.
Staying at MBIZI lagoon house means having some of these experiences right on your doorstep.
Wine with a view
What makes this region truly special is the combination of landscape and atmosphere.
Many wine estates are set directly along the lagoon or nestled between vineyards and mountains — offering panoramic views, open spaces, and a sense of calm that perfectly matches the MBIZI experience.
Wine tasting here is not about ticking boxes — it’s about slowing down, staying a little longer, and enjoying the moment.
Benguela Cove Wine Estate
Located just a few minutes from the house, Benguela Cove is one of the most iconic wine estates in the area.
Set directly on the lagoon, it combines contemporary architecture with outstanding views and a wide range of experiences — from wine tastings to dining and art exhibitions.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon or an early evening with sunset views.
Springfontein Wine Estate
Known for its limestone soils and distinctive wines, Springfontein offers a more understated and authentic experience. The estate focuses on terroir-driven wines and seasonal, locally inspired cuisine — ideal for guests looking for something unique and less commercial.
A very special connection for us.
The owners are from our hometown of Essen and moved to South Africa over 30 years ago. What was once wild, untamed land has transformed into a thriving winery – and is the only one in the country where the vines grow on limestone soil. Some of the world's finest wines come from limestone soils, and here it imparts a unique, mineral depth to Springfontein's wines that we absolutely love. Springfontein is about a 50-minute drive from MBIZI lagoon house, but it's definitely worth the visit – both for the wine and for the wonderful people who make it.
“We don’t make wines. We try to bottle our unique, cool, limestone terroir, so characteristic of the Cape, as authentically as possible.” This is the unanimous credo of Dr. Johst Weber, his partner Jeanne Vito from Chablis, and his son Emil. The trio of winemakers increasingly focuses on South Africa’s indigenous grape varieties: for white wines, Chenel, which is only planted at Springfontein; and for red wines, Pinotage.
Thanks to the exceptional vineyard sites, W. O. Springfontein Rim holds a virtual monopoly within South Africa’s premier wine region of Walker Bay. They work strictly according to the principles of organic viticulture; all their wines are certified organic. But that’s not all. Their quality-optimizing irrigation system relies exclusively on the artesian spring that rises right in the middle of the vineyard. The yeasts used are exclusively wild species from the Fynbos vegetation that permeates the vineyard, nestled on the banks of the Kleinriver. The wine is unfiltered, even the Blanc de Pinotage. The alkaline soils allow for the complete absence of acidification of the final product. Furthermore, the vinification process is fundamentally focused on extracting as much flavor as possible from the grapes, thereby minimizing the influence of oak on the taste. To achieve this, the three winemakers and their team are not afraid to push the boundaries of oenology. Intracellular fermentation, carried out over several months prior to conventional fermentation, and, particularly in the case of Pinotage, a post-fermentation maceration of the must for up to six months following complete fermentation, are key elements.
When Johst founded the winery over thirty years ago and gradually replaced the previously all-encompassing maquis shrubland with vines, the local wine establishment made it clear to him: "You can only make vinegar over there." With ironic self-assurance, the former engineer comments today that they have at least managed to produce quite respectable vintage vinegars at Springfontein. High and top ratings from leading wine critics speak for themselves.
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
A short drive from MBIZI lagoon house, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is one of South Africa’s most renowned wine regions.
Here you’ll find world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with a selection of beautifully designed estates, each with its own character and atmosphere.
Food experiences to match the landscape
The culinary scene in the region reflects the same philosophy as the wines: quality, simplicity, and a strong connection to local ingredients.
From relaxed lunches on wine estates to carefully curated dinners, you’ll find a variety of options that combine great food with beautiful surroundings.
Many places focus on seasonal menus and a slower dining experience — perfect for long afternoons that turn into evenings.
Simple, natural, and refined
Luxury here is not about formality — it’s about space, atmosphere, and authenticity.
It’s about sitting outside with a glass of wine, watching the light change over the lagoon, and feeling completely at ease.
This is what makes the Overberg region — and your stay at MBIZI lagoon house — so special.
