Marianne Wine Estate, nestled in Stellenbosch, has a charming backstory that adds to its allure. Founded by a French family who fell in love with South Africa, it’s no surprise that the estate is named after Marianne, the personification of liberty, equality, and fraternity in France. As a symbol of freedom and reason, Marianne reflects the estate’s commitment to quality and passion.

“Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty”

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne

The Estate and Grounds

The estate’s grounds are nothing short of spectacular. During my visit, I enjoyed a leisurely picnic amidst lush grass and charming lemon trees. Interestingly, while other visitors opted for the indoor space, my family and I had the outdoor area all to ourselves, adding a special touch to our experience.

Wine Tasting and Biltong Pairing

One of the highlights of our visit was the unique wine tasting experience paired with various types of biltong, which is dried, cured meat. It is very popular in South Africa. The biltong complemented the different wines beautifully, making it a tasting experience I highly recommend. After the tasting, we relaxed with a picnic and couldn’t resist purchasing a few bottles of our favourite wines to take home.

Activities at Marianne Wine Estate

• Vineyard Tour: This 1.5-hour tour provides insights into the estate, the wine production process, and a visit to the cellar. The tour concludes with a wine tasting session. Be sure to book 24 hours in advance.
• Private Chauffeur-Driven Tour: Experience the winelands in style with a private half-day or full-day tour of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Helshoogte.
• Guided E-Bike Ride: Explore three wine estates, starting from Marianne, and visit Backberg, Glen Carlou, and Anura on a guided e-bike tour.
• Private 3-Course Lunch: Ideal for a socially distanced dining option, you can book a private lunch for yourself or with friends.
• Wine Blending Lesson: A 2-hour session where you create your own wine blend and take it home. This is a must-try for wine enthusiasts.

Please note that pre-booking is essential for all activities.

For more details on activities, visit: Marianne Wine Estate Activities

Additional information

• Student Wine Club: Free for students with a valid student card, offering discounts on wine tastings, a 15% discount on wine purchases, and a vineyard tour with Marianne’s viticulturist, Ernest Manual.
• Virtual Tastings: Hosted by the estate’s Sommelier, Brian Braite, these YouTube videos explore the wines on offer. Viewers can ask questions in the comments section.
• Events and Accommodation: Marianne Wine Estate is a versatile venue, suitable for everything from corporate meetings to romantic weddings amid the vines. The estate also boasts a four-star hotel. SADC nationals currently receive a 30% discount on accommodation.

Contact Marianne Wine Estate

For bookings and more information, visit: Marianne Wine Estate Contact

Marianne Wine Estate offers a delightful blend of French elegance and South African charm, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers and event planners alike.