Hazendal Wine Estate is one of those strange and rare gems you find only because you know someone who knows someone. Situated on a historical farm, which opened in 1699, and currently restored in 1998, the property boasts so many things to do. "Hazendal" literally translates to "hare valley" or in my language "haas vallei", there are sadly no longer any cape hares (from what I could see).
On this historical property, there are so much to do, from 18 holes of golf (only par threes with the longest hole being 150 meters) to wine tastings, to a luxury spa and hotel, there is sure something to tickle your fancy!
We played some golf, drank some wine, and ate some of the most delicious sandwiches I have ever had. So please join me on this virtual travelling journey as I show you what we explored!
Golfing and Wine (-ing)
The short golf course, consisting of short par three-length holes, is really a fun activity to do, especially after drinking some wine. We arrived at the course, and interestingly, the course is built underneath the powerlines. The funny thing about playing golf underneath these giant structures is the constant reminder of power running above your hear. There is a distinct buzzing noise that reminds you just of how dangerous it is! In any case, we had some wine in our system by that time so we could not worry too much...
But before that, we had to get some wine...
On our way to the wine
As you walk to the winery, you pass some interesting things. For one, we passed the owner's luxury car exhibition. This is obviously just him/her flaunting their wealth at us plebs, but who am I to judge?
It is interesting to not the obsession with collecting cars and owning a wine farm, as this is not the only one that has such an elaborate car showcase. Some other wine farms, also close by, have similar interests.
This does make for a nice view as you walk past the glass showroom toward the restaurant, deli, and tasting room.
Talking of the deli, we briefly walked passed this beautiful deli with so many freshly baked goods. The wall on the opposite of the deli also shows all the beautiful things you can buy.
The deli and farm, I think, are owned by Russians, as there are some hints about this. (I also heard that some of the more pro-Russian artworks were removed in the meantime, which is a bit sad because apparently they were beautiful).
The day was hot and beautiful and we all began craving that wine-tasting! But before moving on to the wine tasting we passed something else as well...
Art is synonymous with wealth as well (and not just cars!). So many wine farms have their own art galleries, and Hazendal wine estate is no different. Unfortunately, we did not have time to appreciate the art, but we will definitely come back to explore more of the art at the estate.
The art gallery is situated in one of the old and historical buildings, which makes it even more spectacular. All of the doors are way smaller than usual. These type of buildings reminds one of how things must have been in those times...
And now, on to the wine tasting!
Hazendal Wines
The main event, after the golf, of course, was the wine tasting. The tasting room is inside of a historical building, which reminds one of all of the aristocratic movies. You feel like royalty as you look up at the ceiling.
The tasting room also has a glass interior to show you the wine-making process. Steel tanks, mechanical equipment, everything is put on display as you drink and enjoy their wine. They also make their MCC or sparkling wine by hand because of their low production, focusing on creating a better product.
Their wines were rather interesting, as they focused on producing some wines not necessarily well known in South Africa. I took my girlfriend with me, and she is not a wine drinker. It was rather funny as she remarked that the wine tastes too much of "wine". This is a joke between me and her when she does not really like the wine!
As you enjoy their wines, you might need to go to the bathroom. Rest assured, the bathrooms carry on with the luxury, making you feel like royalty. The dark interior, with strange artworks hanging from the walls, reminds you that you are not at your everyday pub...
The Main Event: Some Tipsy Golf
I love playing golf with some alcohol in my system, as it relaxes me just a bit. I am naturally stressed when I play golf (for some reason I am unable to get at), so drinking a bit just puts me at ease. We grabbed some of the best sandwiches before teeing off, laying a little foundation so that we were not too tipsy. These sandwiches were so good, I have no idea what they did. I had a honey bacon BLT and it was just out of this world.
As we were ready to tee off, this strange bunny looked at me. If I did not know better, I would have been a bit scared! It is funny how much they play on the "hare" or bunny imagery with no more natural and living hares (bunnies) hopping around...
I digress.
I gave my camera to my girlfriend, 
Post Drinks
Afterwards, we had to have some drinks again. It was seriously hot out on the course, and we sweated the wine out. Nothing is as good as a cold beer after some golf. My girlfriend had a rock shandy cocktail, which is just as good a thirst quencher as a beer.
Postscriptum, or A Little Break from the Usual
This estate offers a break from the usual. Or does it become the usual by trying to be different? I am not sure. We had some good wine, played some fun short golf holes in the African sun, and we enjoyed some good food and beer. Life is good when things go according to plan and when you share it with friends and family.
If you ever come across this little gem, which is only 20km away from Cape Town International Airport, you have to go there and play a quick round of golf, drink some wine, and enjoy life for what it is.
For now, happy travels, and keep well.
All of the writings in this post are my own, unless stated otherwise or hyperlinked. The opinions voiced in this post are also my own, as I did not benefit from saying anything. The photographs are my own, taken with my Nikon D300 and iPhone. Some of them were also taken by my girlfriend, as she got me in action!