Other attractions on the farm include a visit to the Coffee Roasting Company where coffee is freshly ground to order.
In the Wine Tasting Centre all current vintages are available for sampling, can be partnered with a lovely cheese platter or for the sweet tooth, indulge in a chocolate tasting with hand-made Chocolates by Tomes and little shot glasses filled with honey liqueur.
History
The earliest traces of human activity in the Hottentots Holland Valley are to be found at Grootnek and Uitzicht, two locations deep in the heart of Lourensford Estates. The Uitzicht stoneage midden has early and middle stoneage artifacts (150,000 - 200,000 years BC) that are leached out of the soil by winter rains.
After this period, San peoples were to occupy the Valley, and one single painting (finger painting) remains. Flint arrowheads and bone tools occasionally leach out of the soils around the cave area.
Following them were the Quenaku or "Red People" responsible for opening the long-distance trading trails. Again at Uitzicht and barely 100 m from the stone age midden is a Quena astronomical conservatory, which formed an integral part of a cosmological religion.
The Khoi-Khoi (Man-Man) and Khoi-San (Naked Man) were well established in the area when the Dutch arrived in Table Bay. The property Lourensford, is adjacent to, and was once part of Vergelegen (1700 AD). In October 1709, after Willem Adriaan van der Stel's deportation, the farm Vergelegen was divided into 4 farms.
The South-Western portion consisting of 101 morgen was sold and renamed Cloetenberg. The portion South of the Lourens River was bought renamed Morgenster. The third portion included the present Estates of Erinvale (Welgelegen) and Lourensford (Vellerbreiding-Molen), North-West of the river and consisted of 170 morgen on which there were two large Vineyards (23 morgen), a Garden (3 morgen), a Press House, Horse Stables, Corn Mill and several Kraals. Jacobus van der Heijden took transfer of this portion in 1711 AD and on his death was divided into three portions, namely Welgelegen (Erinvale), Vrede en Hoop and Lourensford.
Lourensford consisted of Laastegift (Brinksburg) and was owned by Albert van der Heijden (1711 AD), a part of Republique (last owned by Marthinus Wilhelmus Theunissen and Daniel Jacobus Malan).
Restaurant
Our Deli/Restaurant is closed for renovations and we look forward to welcoming you when we re-open. Watch this space for details.
Functions
The newly renovated Laurent is an architectural masterpiece which stands royally overlooking the rolling lawns of Lourensford's Polo Fields and extending its view from the majestic mountains to the nearby ocean. This can aptly be named the best of both worlds, and sets the scene to be a perfect backdrop for any exceptional occasion. A beautiful setting paves the way to a beautiful function, and you'll find this to be true when you set foot on the glorious Estate where Cape Dutch grandeur combines with sleek and modern architecture.
Laurent presents a clean, yet elaborate canvas, complete with detailed crystal chandeliers and a veranda that overlooks the entire Estate. The entrance boasts with magnificent fountains with sculptures designed and created especially for the new venue and the Wiese family by the well-known landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe.
The Estate, in association with the famous Aleit Group, will assist you to design and organize a function of any style or type you desire - from special birthdays, to anniversaries, year-end functions and weddings, we will fashion an inimitable and matchless occasion, tailor-made to your dreams. The upscale event space is intimate and welcoming, well-designed and splendorous and, together with a good glass of the supreme Lourensford wines and impeccable cuisine of Stir Food, will make an event with unmatched stylishness.