On the edge of Walker Bay, just outside Hermanus, Benguela Cove sits where vineyards run down towards a wide saltwater lagoon, with mountains rising behind and the Atlantic never far away. The estate covers roughly 200 hectares within a landscape recognised for both its ecological importance and its quiet beauty, bordered by the Bot-Kleinmond estuarine system and set within the wider Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.

Owned by Penny Streeter OBE, whose work extends between South Africa and the UK through properties including Leonardslee in Sussex, the estate reflects a long-term view of land and hospitality. The connection between the two places is quiet but present, grounded in a shared attention to stewardship and continuity.

At heart, Benguela Cove is a working wine estate. But it is also a place where hospitality, agriculture and conservation sit alongside one another in a way that feels deliberate rather than decorative. The estate’s guiding idea — hannuwa, a principle rooted in living in balance with the natural world — informs how the land is farmed and how visitors are invited to experience it.

The vineyards benefit from a maritime climate shaped by cool ocean breezes, producing wines that carry freshness and restraint. Everything is grown, produced and bottled on site, with a steady run of awards and critical recognition reflecting the estate’s standing within the Walker Bay region. Tastings range from informal flights to more detailed cellar experiences, while guided vineyard drives offer a closer look at the practical side of farming.

Environmental management is woven into daily operations. Benguela Cove is recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion and employs a range of techniques — from biological pest control to careful water management — aimed at reducing impact while supporting biodiversity. Partnerships with conservation organisations and ongoing monitoring of plant and bird life reflect an understanding of the estate as part of a wider ecosystem rather than a self-contained destination.

Accommodation comes in the form of private villas set across the estate, each designed as a fully independent home rather than a traditional guest room. This approach suits longer stays and multigenerational travel, offering space and privacy while remaining connected to the wider estate — whether through walks along vineyard trails, time on the lagoon or visits to the tasting room.

Food plays a steady, considered role. Several dining venues offer different settings, from relaxed meals to more formal experiences overlooking the water, with menus built around seasonal ingredients and local sourcing. Estate olive oil and wines feature throughout, reinforcing a sense of continuity between land and table.

The pace of life here shifts with the seasons. Harvest, typically running through late summer, brings a sense of movement across the vineyards and cellar, while quieter months allow the landscape to settle into its slower rhythms. Throughout the year, walking trails, lagoon access and outdoor activities offer ways to experience the surroundings without needing to venture far.

Beyond the estate, Hermanus provides context — known internationally for whale watching during the winter migration, as well as for its coastal paths, nature reserves and growing reputation as a food destination. Nearby wine valleys and beaches add further layers to the wider Walker Bay experience.

The estate has also hosted major international gatherings, including the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit — a reflection of its infrastructure and scale — yet it retains a sense of openness shaped by water, sky and working vineyards.

Taken simply, Benguela Cove is defined less by any single feature than by its setting. It is a place where wine, landscape and daily life sit close together, shaped by the particular character of this stretch of coast.

W: Benguela Cove