Things to do in South Africa

Lanzerac Hotel & Spa: fine wines, pampering and old-world charm

The hotel is a Stellenbosch landmark, and vines have been cultivated here since 1692…

By Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Being a sommelier at Lanzerac is an exciting job. The hotel is a Stellenbosch landmark, and vines have been cultivated here since 1692. I am reminded of its heritage everywhere I go – from the beautiful manor house and manicured gardens to the rolling vineyards.

Hotel guests benefit from a complimentary wine tasting of five Estate wines at the Lanzerac Tasting Room and they also get taken on a cellar tour. By the time they come to dinner they have a good idea of what they like. I get great exposure via the tasting room – not just to the wines produced on the estate, but all over the Western Cape. South Africa’s signature varietals include chenin blanc and pinotage and we’re making some great pinotage right now. Across the industry there is a tendency to use less oak and in the pinotage you can really taste the spices and fruit.

We offer some unique hotel experiences. In our amazing spa, one of the treatments includes a grape exfoliating enzyme which offers protection against free-radical damage and assists antioxidants that help slow down the ageing process. Our food pairings include a pinotage and artisanal chocolate pairing, and our ‘chenin blanc’ shampoo and conditioner contains lemon verbena and Cape chamomile – which is only grown in the Cape Floral Kingdom.

All the guest rooms feature original artwork and antique furniture but my personal favourites include room 105, which has a private pool, room 503 for its décor and room 210, for the spaciousness. The estate is home to several unique spaces but my favourite spot is probably the pool bar. You get a great view of the garden and the estate’s mountain backdrop.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

The Blue Train and Big Five Safari
by Malcolm Holcroft

Length11 Days

Price range£5,075 - £5,750pp

Alfred & Fundi Ziqubu

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.