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The sculptural wine gallery at Ellerman House, bottles spiralling through a darkened cellar

A Storied Collection of Wine Woven Into Our Daily Rhythm

Wine has long been part of life at Ellerman House. More than a collection, it reflects the people, places and relationships that continue to shape South Africa's most remarkable wine regions.

A Story of South African Wine, Heritage and Discovery

Within Ellerman House is a world dedicated to South African wine, where history, landscape and craftsmanship come together in quietly remarkable ways. The collection spans decades of winemaking, from iconic estates to smaller family producers whose bottles are rarely found beyond their own cellar doors.

Every wine tells a story of place, season and the people behind it. Here, wine is valued not for prestige, but for what it reveals. It is shared over conversation, explored with curiosity and enjoyed as a natural part of life at the Ellerman House.

A sommelier selecting a bottle within the spiralling wine racks

The Wine Gallery

The Wine Gallery was designed as a journey through South African wine rather than a traditional display. At its centre stands the striking corkscrew installation, spiralling upwards through thousands of bottles. Stone, timber and steel connect a series of spaces where architecture and wine sit naturally together. A wall of soils collected from Cape wine farms grounds the experience in the landscapes from which these wines originate. More than a collection, the gallery offers a deeper understanding of the places and people behind every bottle.

Hands presenting a bottle of The Ellerman, the house's own wine

The Cellar

Beyond the Wine Gallery, the experience continues into the cellar, where the collection is carefully stored, explored and shared. The transition feels seamless, with the same architectural language carrying through each space.

Rows of bottles stretch into temperature-controlled rooms housing one of South Africa's most significant private wine collections. Yet the focus never rests on quantity alone. What matters here are the stories behind the labels, the regions they represent and the conversations they inspire.

With guidance from the team, guests are encouraged to explore freely, moving between vintages, producers and discoveries at a pace that feels entirely their own. The cellar becomes less about collecting wine and more about understanding it.

A sommelier decanting a South African red wine at the tasting bar

Wine Tastings

Wine tastings at Ellerman House begin with a simple question: what would you like to discover?

Guided by specialists with a deep knowledge of South African wine, each tasting is shaped around personal interests rather than a fixed format. Some guests explore historic estates, while others are introduced to emerging winemakers producing small quantities with remarkable character.

As the tasting unfolds, conversation moves naturally between wines, regions and the people behind them. Taking place within the gallery and cellar spaces, the experience feels relaxed and engaging rather than formal. The goal is not simply to taste great wine, but to better understand the landscapes, traditions and stories that have shaped it.

Wine here is not simply collected or stored. It is lived with, understood and shared, each bottle carrying the memory of place, season and the hands that shaped it into something enduring.

Where the Soul of Creativity Meets a Refined Coastal Sanctuary

Art, cuisine and wine each bring their own character to life at Ellerman House. Together, they create a richer understanding of South Africa through its craftsmanship, stories and traditions.

Art at the house is an ever-present companion, weaving through corridors and gardens to spark constant discovery.

Art

Art lives throughout the house, appearing in lounges, hallways, private rooms and shared spaces. More than a collection, it offers an ongoing introduction to South Africa's artists, histories and ideas, rewarding curiosity with new discoveries at every turn.
Experience Art
A delicately plated seasonal dish beside a glass of red wine

Cuisine

Cuisine reflects the landscapes and seasons that surround the house. Local ingredients, careful preparation and a respect for flavour shape menus that feel contemporary yet grounded, creating meals that are memorable not because they are elaborate, but because they are genuinely good.
Experience Cuisine