We were invited to the launch and over-night sleepover at Opstal “Stay” in the Rawsonville Valley. This is the valleys newest country chic container styled cottages, perfect for couples retreats and weddings often hosted at nearby BOSJES.
Known for all things Chenin, Opstal Wine Estate, situated in the picturesque Slanghoek Valley close to the quaint town of Rawsonville, has added a luxury accommodation experience to its already enviable suite of deliciously delightful offerings.
Opstal Stay features five contemporary and supremely comfortable freestanding units, tastefully developed by the entire Louw family with help offered by good friend Niel Bosch and many others.
We stayed in Neelies Needle.
Named after Nellie van der Merwe of Wellington. Nellie was the second youngest daughter from a family of 13 children.
Oupa Carl used to tell how he crossed the Slanghoek Mountains on foot to visit his sweetheart Nellie on weekends. The cottage carrying the Nellie’s Needle name is the only one with a view of the hole in the Slanghoek Mountains.
It reminds of the eye of a needle and of Ouma Nellie’s love for needlework, knitting and especially the finest crochet work.
Attie Louw, seventh generation winemaker and operator, together with brother Zak, proudly states, “Opstal Stay came to life in 2019 after years of dreaming, planning and working. We set out to create a smart but homey farm environment with the best view in the Cape! Our accommodation is luxurious, featuring clever design details but ultimately offering comfort and relaxation in a place that’s really special.”
He explains, tongue-in-cheek, how challenging it was at times to keep track of and try find a mid-way between every family member’s unique opinion and advice. “But it was all worth it,” he says. “Iron grinds iron, as they say – it truly proved to be a rewarding development experience. It was great to have everyone involved in the process, and ultimately it delivered to an end-product we’re all immensely proud of and can’t wait to share.
“Opstal was established in 1847, so we have a tremendous but proud responsibility to retain the legacy of this farm and its important role in the local community in terms of job creation, skills development, and the end of the day, the basic joy we derive from showing visitors what we’re so proud of when it comes to not only our wines, but the experience we offer to encapsulate others in our world although sometimes for only a brief period of time.
“We’ve kept our heritage front and centre, with each of the units named to honour those personalities that make up our rich and colourful history.”
Today, Attie and Zak’s goal remains to offer friends, family and guests an estate experience like no other. With guidance from sixth generation Stanley and Ria Louw, Opstal also features a popular restaurant, a well-proportioned wine tasting as well as a stunning wedding venue.
The Slanghoek Valley abounds with breathtaking views of vineyards, fynbos and mountains. And the Opstal farm features some of the best panoramic perspectives of it all.
OPSTAL Restaurant
Guests can treat themselves to pizza and wine or a hearty meal prepared by chef PJ Lombard in the lovely estate restaurant. With to-die-for views overlooking the valley and a great and hearty menu, it’s rated number one on Tripadvisor in its area.
Says Attie: “Stanley and Ria took it upon themselves to find and acquire the best art pieces for our stunning Opstal Stay facility. With inputs and instructions from the younger generation, they personally sourced some exceptional pieces of art, each with a story.”
“The go-to-girls were Marlene van Jaarsveld and Tharien Hechter. Among so many other noteworthy artworks we sourced, three pieces from Darren Aiken namely The Handyman, Battery Chicken and Remote Workshop were absolute finds which complement our décor beautifully.”
OPSTAL STAY RATES
Opstal Stay offers two four-sleeper units and three two-sleeper units.
The four sleeper units’ weekday price is R1 950 per night and R2 250 per night over the weekend. The two-sleeper units’ weekday price is R1 450 per night and R1 750 per night over the weekend.
Breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed at Opstal’s restaurant from Wednesday to Sunday.
Guests are advised to book OPSTAL stay in advance to avoid disappointment.
