This 22 hectare wine farm lies between Franschhoek and the Stony Brook rivers and benefits from wonderfully fertile, dark loam soils and produces superb award winning wines in a state-of-the-art cellar. Holden Manz’s wine portfolio consists of 8 wines which include the Big G 2010, the good sport – Cape Vintage 2009, the Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, the Shiraz 2010, the Merlot 2010, the Vernissage 2012, the Rose 2012 and the Chardonnay 2012, many of which have won international awards. The estate restaurant, Franschhoek Kitchen, is rated one of the valley’s leading restaurants and is headed by Executive Chef Maryna Frederiksen. Maryna, who has an international background as a chef, enjoys nothing more than discovering the best fresh, local produce and using the farm grown vegetables and fruits from the orchards to create spectacular combinations of tasty, delicious food that complements the Holden Manz wines. The Franschhoek Kitchen’s standards are based on the best international cuisine but are complimented by the simplicity and pureness of each and every ingredient. The vineyard is heavily influenced by the seasons and so is the food – nature at its best, brought onto your plate – either in the dining room, amidst the vines outdoors, or in form of a picnic along the Franschhoek river – always with a glass of award winning wine from the estate. Holden Manz also boasts a beautiful Manor House on the grounds, which is also home to a health and wellness spa and a new yoga studio. With the elegance of the house’s Cape Dutch architecture and a prevailing sense of tranquility and quiet splendor you have one of the most inviting country houses in Franschhoek. Positioned away from the winery, this 5 star guesthouse offers the perfect getaway amongst the vineyards. Both the country house and wellness Spa are in the quiet corner of the estate where two rivers meet, a perfect setting to escape your daily worries and relax into a world of calm tranquility. The Spa has three treatment rooms, each with a terrace opening out onto the vineyards with exceptionally beautiful mountain views. A glass of rejuvenating iced tea or cold lemon water awaits guests after their treatment. Holden Manz is the perfect setting for a long lunch on a Sunday afternoon, a family picnic, a wine tasting tour, a wedding or corporate function and of course a romantic getaway. With its close proximity to Cape Town this estate is sure to become one of the favourites to locals and internationals alike. You will find the estate to be tastefully decorated by owner Migo Manz with artworks from his popular art gallery, The Holden Manz collection, conveniently located in the village across from the post office. A must for all art lovers! Shante, our editor, gives her view on Holden Manz here