Big changes are afoot at Lanzerac, home to the world’s first commercial pinotage. Since acquiring the winery in July 2012, its new international investors have spearheaded a comprehensive upgrade of Lanzerac’s wine portfolio, its product packaging and its Tasting Room.

The new facility is a far cry from its out-dated and much smaller predecessor. The revamped venue has been completely redesigned to feature several indoor and outdoor tasting areas, all fitted with new decor, comfortable upholstered chairs, and branded wooden tables, sporting the estate’s logo.

The 3 wine tasting options on offer allow Oenophiles to explore the different styles of wines under the Lanzerac name. Chocoholics will smile when they see the hand selected chocolate and wine tasting, where 5 wines are matched with designer chocolates, produced by a Chocolatier in Knysna.

Delicious food is one of the key features of Lanzerac’s revamped hospitality program. Apart from sampling the various wines under the estate’s portfolio, visitors can now also indulge in the very best in fresh, artisan produce when visiting the new and adjacent delicatessen. The winery has hired a noted Welsh chef to run the Deli that stocks a selection of homemade breads, cakes and pastries, for visitors to purchase and enjoy on site. Other artisan produce on offer include freshly brewed coffee, homemade jams, chutneys, preserves and sauces, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards which can be enjoyed with the wine tasting.

Those who want to linger a little longer and really appreciate the spectacular landscape and charm that come with Lanzerac, can tuck into a picnic for 2 in the Deli’s garden overlooking the vineyards.

If the service we received at the opening event is anything to go by, the team at Lanzerac intends to provide guests with unparalleled service and a memorable experience. To achieve these ends they have implemented innovative new techniques for optimizing grape growing and winemaking practices, and have enlisted hospitality experts to extensively train its new tasting room staff.

The Lanzerac Tasting Room and Deli is open to the public Monday to Saturday (9am to 5:30pm) and Sundays between 9am and 4:30pm.