One of Doolhof’s claims to fame is that Andrew Geddes Bain lived on Doolhof whilst engaged in the construction of Bain’s Kloof Pass in the 1840’s. The current farm dates from 1993, and the first high-quality wine grapes were planted here in 1995. It was then taken over by Dennis and Dorothy Kerrison in 2003, who painstakingly restored the estate, building a winery, tasting room and office complex. In 2005 the farm was granted Wine Estate status.
Doolhof’s forty hectares of vineyard enjoy a variety of discrete micro-climates and terroirs, which give full expression to the three white and seven red varietals produced on Doolhof. The estate produces three wine ranges. The Doolhof Cape series is a collection easy drinking, excellent value, lifestyle wines. The second range is the Doolhof Signatures range of predominantly 100% varietal wines which demonstrate what Doolhof wines are all about. A pure reflection of the terroir, these wines regularly win gold and double gold medals in international competitions, of which the Doolhof Signatures’ Malbec is a recent example. The new, exciting Doolhof Legends of the Labyrinth range includes the award winning The Minotaur, a rich red blend of six varietals.
The light, airy tasting room, situated in the original wagon house, invites guests to linger over tasting the estate’s superb wines. A large terrace with fountains and a shady garden adjoins it, making it ideal for enjoying the light lunches prepared by the chef of Grand Dédale Country House from fresh, local ingredients, or for taking a quiet stroll. Graced by such magnificent scenery, many visitors choose to walk along the river, to spread out a blanket and enjoy one of the estate’s delicious picnic lunches or to follow the hiking trail through the surrounding countryside.
Doolhof is a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) to promote the preservation of the fynbos and the removal of alien species.