Our Story
Growing fine wines on the Meerlust Estate has been part of the Myburgh family tradition for eight generations, beginning in 1756. Long recognized for producing world-class wines, the Meerlust Estate is singularly rich in charm and history.
The first owner of the property, a German immigrant named Henning Huising, recognized the beauty and potential of the farm and settled here in 1693. He named his new-found home “Meerlust”, meaning “pleasure of the sea”, as the manor house sits on a granite outcrop only 5km from False Bay, and in the warm summer months the vineyards are refreshed by ocean breezes and evening mists which roll in from the coast.
Visitors to the Estate – a National Monument – have for centuries anticipated seeing the cool, white façade of the Manor House as they passed through the gates and along the palm and oak tree-lined drive. Not much has changed. Today, that sense of having arrived at a most treasured home and estate is enhanced by the knowledge – on seeing the sweep of vineyards that flank the drive – that here grow the grapes of the prized Meerlust wines.
Meerlust Timeline
Henning Huising is granted the farm which he names Meerlust “the pleasure of the sea”
First part of the Manor house is built, as well as the cellar. The first wine was made on Meerlust under Henning
Myburgh Family buys Meerlust Estate
First wine under the Meerlust label is produced
Giorgio Dalla Cia appointed as Cellarmaster.
First experimental Rubicon blend made.
First Commercial vintage of Rubicon.
Meerlust Pinot Noir is produced.
The first vintage of Rubicon is released to members of the public and is judged champion red wine at the South African Championship Show.
Meerlust Merlot is produced.
The entire Meerlust complex is declared a national monument.
Hannes succeeds his father to become the 8th Generation owner of Meerlust.
The first vintage of Meerlust Chardonnay.
Chris Williams appointed as Cellarmaster.
Wim Truter appointed as Cellarmaster.