Tired of the Franschhoek five-star crowds and the Stellenbosch students? Somerset West never features high on my list when it comes to winelands wandering, but I soon discovered that taking the road less travelled often pays off.

A more fitting name than Journey’s End is hard to find when it comes to exploring the vineyards of the Cape, and especially now that the estate boasts its own state-of-the-art wine cellar and tasting room.

The spacious new tasting centre, with sweeping views on three sides, overlooks the barrel cellar and across a vista of sea, vineyards and mountains. The décor is elegantly minimalist and the tasting centre spills out onto a spacious terrace, offering spectacular views. Sophisticated and clean lines interspersed with ambient light and earthy colours make the tasting centre both warm and refined.

But the minimalist décor does more than look good… it’s all about focusing attention on the fruits of the vine. Here, the wine takes centre stage.

Speaking at the launch of the tasting centre, Sales & Marketing Director Rollo Gabb said: “There is no golf course. No hotel. No restaurant. We’re a wine family, and all our focus is on the vineyards, and making the very best wines.”

And spectacular vineyards they certainly are. As Rollo put it in an interview with Esquire UK, “We’ve only got ourselves to blame if the wine’s no good.”