Brookdale Estate

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate is as unexpected as she is enchanting. Hugged by the tranquil valley and surrounded by natural beauty, Brookdale offers some of the region’s most innovative wines and personalised hospitality.

At once a sprawling country estate with a Manor House overlooking manicured indigenous gardens, wild fynbos, dipping valleys, and towering hills, Brookdale is also a working wine farm where imagination meets skill. A true Cinderella story, Brookdale was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family acquired the estate with a clear vision in mind – to create a world-class country estate producing fine wines and interesting blends created from unusual varietals for South Africa.

Before the vines could be planted, alien vegetation needed to be cleared and the balance of nature restored. The Rudd family successfully cleared the 80 hectares of land, saved a block of Chenin Blanc that would become its maiden release, and re-planted the estate with 3600 indigenous trees and thoughtfully conceived vines. With a small, well-trained team and a careful approach to land use and sustainability, bird and animal life remain rich and abundant.

The elegant Manor House is to be complemented in the future by a restaurant that will celebrate Paarl produce, and a wine tasting lounge to explore the vintages of Brookdale. Stay curious.