We hope you enjoy your visit. One of the most advanced and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, this 'cellar in the mountain' was built in 1968. The Bergkelder hugs the steep slopes of the historic Papegaaiberg mountain. This mountain is named after the clay pigeon ('papegaai' in Dutch) shoot, held to commemorate the birthday of Governor Simon van der Stel in the late 1700s. A footpath takes you along the banks of the Plankenburg River and during the harvesting season the tipping of red wine grapes can be observed. Crossing a footbridge flanked by newly laid-out gardens one reaches the Visitors Centre. Here, the Stellenryck Museum Collection can be enjoyed, showcasing the origins of winemaking at the Cape of Good Hope. Also in the Visitors Centre, an audio visual presentation can be viewed in english. In the tranquil atmosphere of our underground bottle-maturation cellar, thousands of bottles of wine are laid down and guarded over serenely by old French oak maturation casks. These casks bear carvings of various famous Cape wine landmarks. Then it is time to taste the range of Fleur de Cap wines that are produced in the leading vineyards of the Cape. The tasting takes place in the famous "Cellar in the Mountain" on the slopes of the historic Papegaaiberg in Stellenbosch.
Resting comfortably on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, on the outskirts of the historic old town of Stellenbosch, lies a famous landmark in the winelands. This is The Bergkelder. Founded in 1967, this 'famous cellar in the mountain' was the first of its kind in South Africa and is today home to some of the Cape's finest wines. The Bergkelder has distinguished itself as an important innovator in the wine industry. In the 1970s, it played a pivotal role in encouraging South Africa's production of world class wines by persuading grape-growers to introduce the classic noble varieties to their vineyards. Among these varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In 1979, it took the lead by introducing maturation of quality wine in small casks of new French oak and in 1998, The Bergkelder launched its unique range of Fleur du Cap unfiltered wines. These were created with the specific intention of retaining the absolute flavours and varietal character of the grapes. ALL DAY WINE TASTINGS Besides the tastings which are presented as part of the tours, we have ongoing, all day tastings in our wine centre. A selection of fine wines, focussing on Fleur du Cap but also offering many others, is available for tasting every day. WINE TOURS Tour times Our fine wine shop is open from 08h00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to14h00 on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays and religious public holidays.
DirectionsDirections to Stellenbosch from Cape Town Recommendations Visitors staying in Cape Town could easily travel by car to Stellenbosch to visit the Bergkelder Wine Centre and the town of Stellenbosch with its incredibly attractive Cape Dutch homes in streets lined with huge old oak trees. There is lots to see and do – the Bergkelder Wine Centre staff will assist to point out where you could go to after a visit to the cellar, plus there is a full information office in the town itself and many excellent restaurants and bistros etc . Directions The distance from Cape Town to Stellenbosch is about 50 KM [ 35 miles ] and will take you about an hour by car . Follow the N1 freeway to Paarl.Turn off at Exit 39 [Stellenbosch] and turn right onto the R304. Follow the road to Stellenbosch. Reaching town, turn right at the third traffic light into Adam Tas road. Continue for about 3km [ 2 miles] and turn right at the second traffic light (first road that turns right) and continue accross the railway crossing, making an immediate left after the crossing into The Bergkelder's premises. Directions to Stellenbosch from Cape Town International Airport Recommendations It is recommended that visitors who wish to reach The Bergkelder directly from the airport rather use rental cars for the trip to Stellenbosch. No train or underground services are available from the airport. A number of taxi services are not recommended. Should you, however, have no alternative as to use a taxi service, please make enquiries in the airport terminal building about a reputable service. (It is also recommended that visitors who wish to reach Cape Town from the airport should do the same or use the airport shuttle service to the center of Cape Town.) Directions The distance from Cape Town International Airport to Stellenbosch is approximately 35 km. Follow the Airport Approach Road from the airport. Turn left at the Somerset West exit onto the N2 freeway. Turn off at Exit 33 [Baden-Powell Road, Stellenbosch]. Turn left onto the R310. Follow the road (approximately 23 km) until you reach a T-junction and turn right. Follow the road into Stellenbosch until you reach a second T-junction (immediately past the railway station to the left). Turn left onto the R44. At the first traffic light turn left and continue across the railway crossing, making an immediate left after the crossing into The Bergkelder's premises. |
