Vrede en Lust

Vrede en Lust is a South African wine estate founded in 1688 by Flemish merchant Jacques de Savoye, who was granted the farm by the Governor of the Cape after fleeing religious persecution in Europe. The estate is located in Simondium, against the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain between Paarl and Franschhoek, and is a notable example of Cape Dutch architecture. Since 1996 it has been owned and managed by the Buys family, who have continued its winemaking heritage while expanding its vineyards and hospitality offerings. The estate produces wines from two distinct terroirs: the warmer Simonsberg-Paarl vineyards, where most red cultivars are grown, and the cooler Elgin valley, where white cultivars are cultivated. In 2005, Vrede en Lust acquired a second farm, Casey's Ridge in Elgin, to secure a quality grape supply. The winery is led by winemaker Karlin Nel and head viticulturist Annette Human, who manage over 90 hectares of vineyards. The portfolio includes flagship ranges such as Marguerite Chardonnay and premium offerings like Jess Rosé, alongside Malbec and Cap Classique-style sparkling wine. Beyond wine, Vrede en Lust operates a hospitality destination with a tasting room, LUST Bistro & Bakery, and event and wedding facilities. The estate also offers accommodation and has installed a 1000-panel solar system visible in its vineyards and on the tasting room roof. The brand emphasizes a philosophy of "own your terroir," focusing on site-specific wines that express the diversity of soils and elevations across its farms.

Vrede en Lust was founded in 1688 by Jacques de Savoye, a Flemish merchant who fled Europe with his wife, Marie-Madeleine le Clerq, due to religious persecution. After 70 days at sea, they arrived in Table Bay on 26 April 1688 aboard the 160ft Oosterland. The Governor of the Cape allocated the farm to De Savoye in the Drakenstein valley, against the foothills of the Napoleonsberg (today known as the Simonsberg). The area of Simondium is named after Reverend Pierre Simond, who established the first church in the area; the left wing of LUST Bistro & Bakery is the original building of Simond's first house. It is believed that the first Sunday trading in the Cape Colony took place at Vrede en Lust due to the first protestant church built on the estate. The original deed for Vrede en Lust was issued in April 1694 by the Honorable Governor and Councilors. In the 1790s, the manor house was built by the Marais family. In the 1950s, the manor house was restored by Norman Berold after a damaging fire. In 1996, the farm was bought by the Buys family, who have owned and managed it since. In 2005, Vrede en Lust acquired a second farm, Casey's Ridge, located in Elgin, to add a quality grape supply. In 2012, the estate installed a 1000-panel solar system, visible in their vineyards and on the Tasting Room roof. The estate continues to build on over 335 years of heritage, with the Buys family respecting its noble roots while developing its wine and hospitality offerings.

• 2012

  Installed a 1000-panel solar system.

• 2005

  Acquired Casey's Ridge farm in Elgin.

• 1996

  Farm bought by the Buys family.

• 1950

  Manor house restored by Norman Berold after a damaging fire.

• 1790

  Manor house built by the Marais family.

• 1694

  Original title deed granted.

• 1688

  Vrede en Lust founded by Jacques de Savoye.

Premium, terroir-driven South African wine estate with a strong hospitality and tourism component.

• Marguerite Chardonnay

  Flagship range Chardonnay, 2024 Double Gold Winner.

• Jess Rosé

  Premium range Rosé, started as a gesture between a father and his daughter on her 16th birthday.

• Sarah Bubbly

  Sparkling wine for celebrations.

• Vrede en Lust Malbec

  Malbec known for velvety richness.

1. 1Wine Farm Cape Town | Simondium Wine Estate Western Capevnl.co.za
2. 2History - Vrede en Lustvnl.co.za
3. 3Team - Vrede en Lustvnl.co.za
4. 4Our Vineyards - Vrede en Lustvnl.co.za
5. 5Vrede en Lust - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6Vrede en Lust - Wikipedia (NL)nl.wikipedia.org