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Montpellier is not only known for its award-winning wines but also serves as a tranquil getaway and stunning event venue. The estate features a charming hillside chapel, a Cape Dutch homestead, reception facilities, and expansive grounds that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect setting for a memorable occasion, whether you’re planning a relaxing food and wine day trip, a weekend getaway with family and friends, or the wedding of your dreams.
Experience a world of historical and natural beauty all in one place at Montpellier Wine Estate.
Montpellier was established in 1714 by Jean Imbert and Jacques Theron, Huguenot refugees who arrived in Table Bay in 1688. Before seeking refuge in Tulbagh, they lived near the historic city of Montpellier in southern France. When Governor Maurits Pasques de Chavonnes granted Jean Imbert the land in 1714, he named the farm Montpellier. Jacques Theron was granted the neighbouring farm, Le Rhône.
After Jean Imbert's death in 1723, Montpellier changed hands several times but was eventually acquired by Jacques Theron's descendants in the 1880s. The farm remained in the Theron family for the next 100 years.
Initially, Montpellier was used exclusively for grazing cattle. The first vineyard was planted shortly after the original homestead was built (circa 1815-1820), mainly for private use. Commercial vineyards were not established until the late 1890s.
Initially, Montpellier was used exclusively for grazing cattle. The first vineyard was planted shortly after the original homestead was built (circa 1815-1820), mainly for private use. Commercial vineyards were not established until the late 1890s.
In 1884, Hendrik Theron took over the farm and began planting vineyards in earnest. The first cultivars included Sémillon, Riesling, French grape, and Cinsaut.
In 1945, De Wet Theron inherited the farm and focused on producing high-quality wines. He replaced the Cinsaut with Clairette Blanche, Colombard, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc, and began experimenting to improve production. He minimized oxidation by using CO2 to replace O2 and regulated fermentation temperatures with cold running water. He introduced 20kg 'plukkissies' (boxes) to reduce grape handling and keep them cool. In 1967, he imported active dry yeast into South Africa.
On December 2, 1967, 1000 bottles of Riesling were hand-bottled, corked, and laid down for maturation for four years. The 1971 Riesling, matured for 18 months, became the first wine to receive a Gold Superior classification. De Wet Theron later added Gewürztraminer, Rhine Riesling, and Chenin Blanc to the cultivars, with the 1971 Gewürztraminer also receiving a Gold Superior classification. A handful of these vintages have since turned into a honey-colored liquid gold.
In September 1969, a devastating earthquake shook the Tulbagh Valley, leveling the original Cape Dutch homestead. De Wet Theron restored the ancestral home, preserving its structural heritage.
In the years that followed, Montpellier suffered neglect and fell into disrepair. In 2001, Johannesburg advocate Lucas van Tonder saw its intrinsic beauty and potential. He purchased the farm and began a massive restoration, staying true to the original Cape Dutch design and craftsmanship. Lucas also acquired the neighbouring farm, Constantia (Jacques Theron's original property).
Montpellier’s homestead is now a National Monument and stands as an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. The spacious T-shaped homestead features an extra wing halfway down the tail end, three casement windows on either side of the front door, and a handsome "holbol" gable decorated with various motifs. Inside, the rooms are furnished with beautiful antique Cape Dutch furniture and equipped with modern amenities.
In September 1969, a devastating earthquake shook the Tulbagh Valley, levelling the original Cape Dutch homestead. De Wet Theron restored the ancestral home, preserving its structural heritage.
In the years that followed, Montpellier suffered neglect and fell into disrepair. In 2001, Johannesburg advocate Lucas van Tonder saw its intrinsic beauty and potential. He purchased the farm and began a massive restoration, staying true to the original Cape Dutch design and craftsmanship. Lucas also acquired the neighbouring farm, Constantia (Jacques Theron's original property).
Montpellier’s homestead is now a National Monument and stands as an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. The spacious T-shaped homestead features an extra wing halfway down the tail end, three casement windows on either side of the front door, and a handsome "holbol" gable decorated with various motifs. Inside, the rooms are furnished with beautiful antique Cape Dutch furniture and equipped with modern amenities.
