Brookdale Estate

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate is as unexpected as she is enchanting. Hugged by the tranquil valley and surrounded by natural beauty, Brookdale is a sprawling country estate with a Manor House overlooking lush indigenous gardens, wild fynbos, dipping valleys and towering hills. As a working wine farm, here imagination meets immense skill through an exploration of curiosity. Brookdale Estate is also home to a Tasting Room, Bistro and new state-of-the-art Wine Cellar, which overlooks a portion of the vineyards. Here, Mediterranean varieties, a unique Paarl terroir and innovative winemaking techniques are brought together under the visionary hand of owner, Tim Rudd and winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer.


About the Brookdale Estate

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate is as unexpected as she is enchanting. Hugged by the tranquil valley and surrounded by natural beauty, Brookdale Estate offers some of the region’s most innovative wine creations. At once a sprawling country estate with a Manor House overlooking manicured indigenous gardens, wild fynbos, dipping valleys and towering hills, Brookdale is also a working wine farm where imagination meets skill.

A true Cinderella story, Brookdale was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family saw the enormous potential of the property and acquired the estate ​with a clear vision in mind – to create a world-class country estate producing fine wines and interesting blends created from unusual varietals for South Africa. Before the vines could be planted, alien vegetation needed to be cleared and the balance of nature restored. The Rudd family successfully cleared the 80 hectares of land, saved a block of Chenin Blanc that would become its maiden release, and planted the remaining 53 hectares with indigenous vegetation and gardens for guests of the Manor House to explore.

Ardent wine connoisseurs, Brookdale Estate is the pinnacle of the Rudd family’s passion. Here, Mediterranean varietals, a unique Paarl terroir and unusual winemaking techniques are brought together under the visionary hand of Tim Rudd, the owner, and winemaker Kiara Scott.

Brookdale Estate is also home to an elegant Manor House with sprawling gardens, a soon-to-be established restaurant and tasting lounge, and a natural paradise of indigenous vegetation. Since the Rudd family began their stewardship of Brookdale Estate, the valleys have been re-planted with 3600 indigenous trees, and mountain slopes have been re-seeded with wild Cape fynbos and flowers. With a small, well-trained team and a careful approach to land use and sustainability, bird and animal life remain rich and abundant. Every season brings different moods, different hues and different creatures.

Brookdale Estate is also home to a Tasting Room, Bistro and new state-of-the-art Wine Cellar, which overlooks a portion of the vineyards. Set on gentle slopes amongst our vineyards, The Bistro gazes across new vines and the mountainous landscape of our valley in the Paarl Winelands. Here, in this pastoral paradise, menus will move to nature's rhythms under the culinary wisdom of Executive Chef, Gary Coetzee. Within the Tasting Room, guests can discover more about the Brookdale and Mason Road Wines, ask questions, learning about our vines and wine philosophy and sample our terroir-driven vintages.

The lodge is located in the of the Western Cape.


Features

Room facilities include Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heated Towel Rails, Laundry Service (Available), Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television,

The lodges appeals to a number of special interests such as Cycling, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wine,

There are numerous activities on site such as Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Gourmet Picnic, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Walks (Self Guided),

Activities off site include Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Massages, Mountain Biking, Museums, Quad Biking, Rock Climbing, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wine Tasting,

The property boasts a number of facilities 24-hour Security, Barbeque Facilities, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room,

Languages spoken include and available services are Airport Shuttle (Available),Babysitting Service,


Activities

The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.

The Tasting Room at Brookdale

Here, you can discover more about the Brookdale and Mason Road Wine Ranges, ask questions, learn about our vines and wine philosophy and sample our terrior-driven vintages. We are deeply passionate about testing new theories, asking your opinion, trying new things and remembering that each harvest has the potential for the exceptional.



The Bistro at Brookdale

Set on gentle slopes amongst our vineyards, The Bistro gazes out across new vines and the mountainous landscape of our valley in the Paarl Winelands. Here, in this pastoral paradise, menus will move to nature's rhythms under the culinary wisdom of Executive Chef, Gary Coetzee.



Private Dining at Brookdale Manor House

Executive Chef, Gary Coetzee, brings imagination to each plate he creates. Having worked as a private chef to the late Sol Kerzner, and head chef at Singita Private Game Reserve, Gary’s culinary landscape is as deep in flavour as it is far reaching in style. From casual dining, creative comfort food and local style braais, to chic cuisine and inspired vegan menus, dining at Brookdale Estate is tailored to the tastes of guests and offers an exceptional opportunity to savour the flavours of Africa. Everything is homemade or locally sourced, and inspired by the landscape and stories of Brookdale. Just as winemaker, Kiara Scott, explores different techniques in the vineyards and cellar, so Gary explores new flavour combinations and ever evolving menus.



Picnics at Brookdale - Manor House

Immerse within the gentle sounds of birdsong, breeze through the vines or running water with an outdoor picnic in one of Brookdale Estate’s dedicated picnic sites. Tim Rudd has purposely created areas around the 67-hectare estate with different views and atmospheres for an evolving picnic experience during your stay.



Trails around Brookdale Estate

Fresh mountain air is abundant in our valley. If you need to get your heart rate going during your stay, enjoy a walk or run through the Brookdale Estate vineyards and gardens. All of the alien vegetation across the 67 hectares of land was removed and planted with indigenous plants and vines creating acre upon acre of beautiful land to explore on foot. You’ll feel the wonderful freedom and peace of solitude in an open landscape, filled with moments of reflection.



Mountain Biking on Brookdale Estate

For those who enjoy the time with their mountain bike, bring yours along for a vineyard exploration. While Brookdale Estate does not have formal trails, you are encouraged to explore on your own or with a professional guide. Brookdale’s adventure partners can curate a mountain biking adventure on or off the property, as well as provide bikes if you are unable to bring yours along. Advise Brookdale ahead of your stay if mountain biking is a keen interest to ensure you have the experience you’re looking for. The views are endless with 67 hectares of land to explore.



Spa Treatments at Brookdale Estate

Your stay at Brookdale Estate is all about opening your heart and mind while enjoying complete tranquillity. Brookdale Estate offers in-room spa therapies for massages, manicures and pedicures to support you in your journey to relaxation. Bookings in advance is essential.



Brookdale’s Gym & Workout Space

The workout space of Brookdale Estate is tucked off discreetly to the side of the main Manor House with easy access to enjoy a heart-pumping session. Complete with a selection of free weights, endurance rowing machine, elliptical machine, stationary bike, bench, yoga ball and yoga mats, find the perfect speed and intensity for you. Guests have 24-hour access to the space for a workout at any time of the day or night to ensure all your fitness needs are met. Take the yoga mat out for a sunrise or sunset salutation on the terrace with views over the valley for the perfect start or end to your day.



Sundowners at Brookdale Estate

Time. It’s one of those intangible things that changes its form and meaning constantly. Take the time to enjoy a sunset at Brookdale Estate - time out to soak up the peacefulness of a changing landscape and sky. Time is the greatest gift we can give to the ones we love and to ourselves, so sit back and soak in the moment with a glass of Brookdale’s exceptional wine. It’s moments such as these, when we quieten our minds, that our hearts truly open.



Helicopter Flips and Transfers

Spread your wings and fly with view over the Cape Winelands like none other. Take a tour through the towering mountains, over rolls vineyards, across sprawling orchards and back to Brookdale Estate’s private helipad. Advanced booking is required.



Nelson Mandela Legacy

Nelson Mandela’s legacy extends across not only in South Africa, but also the world. Visit the 3-metre monument to Mandela at Klein Drakenstein where he was released from prison in 1990. Discover more about South Africa’s heritage with time at this momentous location, and connect with the history of the country. From here, it is a short drive to Franschhoek to explore more about the French Huguenots, another intriguing layer of South African history.



Taal Monument in Paarl

The iconic Taal Monument in Paarl, South Africa is located on a hill that gazes out over the Paarl valley. Taal, meaning ‘language’, was built in October 1975 to commemorate Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa, separate from Dutch. Not only is its location surrounded by incredible views, but it also has hiking and biking trails with walks that can be done from the monument to a close-by rock feature.



Outdoors Adventures in Paarl

Explore the great outdoors in the Paarl region with a choice of wonderous hikes, outrides on horseback, cycling routes, fishing and more. Brookdale Estate has selected partners for privately guided experiences to discover the mountains, valleys and atmosphere of Paarl. Climb Paarl Rock, explore Kromriver or Du Toitskloof. Head out on horseback or enjoy a ride on the wild side with quad biking through the Paarl vineyards. The adventures awaiting are endless.



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