Muratie Wine Estate

Rates subject to increase on 1 September 2025

Nestled in the breathtaking Knorhoek Valley just north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate is a timeless gem under the careful stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family. The estate offers a wide array of experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the rich history and exceptional wines that define Muratie.

Dating back to 1685, Muratie Wine Estate holds the distinction of being one of the oldest estates in South Africa. Its illustrious history began when Governor Simon van der Stel, the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, granted the land. The Melck family, the current custodians of Muratie, have lovingly revived this heritage, infusing it with a touch of modernity while honoring the colorful characters who shaped its story.

The wine range pays homage to characters, with each bottle telling its own fascinating tale. From the exquisite MCC bubbly known as "Lady Alice" to the captivating blends like "Ansela van de Caab" and "George Paul Canitz," their wines embody the spirit of Muratie's history. Sip on classics like "Muratie Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon" and "Muratie Ronnie Melck Shiraz" to experience the essence of our enduring legacy.

Not only has their label evolved, but the quality of our wines has also undergone remarkable transformations. Winemaker Hattingh De Villiers and his dedicated team have elevated Muratie to a prominent position in the world of Bordeaux blends, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Muratie has a storied history of being the first Pinot Noir producer and crafting fine ports, further establishing its reputation as a winemaking pioneer.

Visiting Muratie is a journey of discovery. Spend your day exploring the wine estate, whether it's browsing the captivating Mok Art Gallery, indulging in a wine-tasting experience, savoring a delightful meal at their restaurant, or joining the owner for an intimate lunch at the original farmhouse. For those seeking adventure, the estate also offers mountain biking and hiking trails, promising thrilling experiences amidst our scenic vineyards.

At Muratie Wine Estate, excellence begins in the vineyard. The grapes are hand-picked, allowing them to discern the quality of the harvest even before the winemaking process begins. Their gentle approach avoids mechanical crushing and grinding of the skins and seeds. They use open fermenters and stainless-steel tanks during fermentation, and after this crucial stage, the wine matures in French oak barrels until the vintner deems it ready for bottling.

For a truly unique experience, arrive at Muratie Wine Estate with Cape Town Helicopters. Your visit can include a variety of activities, from wine tasting to enjoying a sumptuous meal at the restaurant and exploring the Mok Art Gallery.

Booking Lead Time:
Please note that bookings for the Muratie Wine Estate Flight require a minimum lead time of 48 hours. This allows us to obtain the necessary landing permissions from the Muratie Wine Estate premises, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit.

The Helicopter Wine Safari, Cape Town Helicopters Flight Package:
Our exclusive flight package with Cape Town Helicopters offers an unforgettable adventure. It includes a private helicopter flight to and from Muratie Wine Estate, along with a half-day experience at Muratie featuring wine tasting and a delectable lunch.

Helicopter Flight Details:
V&A Waterfront to Muratie Wine Estate: Approximately 20 minutes
Muratie Wine Estate back to V&A Waterfront: Approximately 20 minutes

Ground Time:
Spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at Muratie Wine Estate, exploring all that we have to offer.

Total Winelands Flight Experience:
Expect a total experience duration of approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Please note that Cape Town Helicopters reserves the right to return the helicopter to base if operational requirements dictate. In such cases, they will arrange a collection from Muratie Wine Estate at a predetermined time. At Muratie Wine Estate, they invite you to step into history, savor excellence, and create lasting memories. Join Cape Town Helicopters in the exquisite Knorhoek Valley for an experience like no other.

Flights are subject to weather conditions. A full refund will be provided where rescheduling of flights is unavailable.

Important Information

Check In Time

Please check in 30 minutes before your scheduled takeoff time. This allows us to complete weight checks, conduct the safety briefing, and issue your tickets. Once checked in, you can relax in our waiting area, capture some great pre-flight photos, and soak in the atmosphere before your adventure begins.

Photography Tip

For the best photos, we recommend wearing darker-colored clothing. Light colours, especially white, can reflect off the windows and affect your shots—so dress dark for that perfect picture! We do not have an on-site photographer.

Seating Allocation

For all sharing flights, seating is assigned based on weight and balance, which is determined during your safety briefing and ticketing. If you prefer to choose your own seats, you may book an Exclusive Flight by purchasing one additional seat—guaranteeing you the best seats in the house.

Weather

All flights are weather-dependent. If conditions are not suitable for flying, we will make every effort to reschedule your flight to the next best available time. For your comfort, please note that the temperature in the sky is the same as on the ground, so dress accordingly.

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