Where wheatfields extend to the heavy mass of the Kasteelberg, approximately 100 kilometres northeast from Cape Town, lies the Allesverloren Estate - renowned for its distinctive red wines.
It is the oldest wine estate in the Swartland Wine of Origin District.
The history of the estate dates back to between 1696 and 1704 , when the governer of the Cape left it to a certain widow named Cloete. This courageous woman was one of the first settlers who ventured into the inhospitable Swartland region. The early settlers were simple people, with only the most limited agricultural equipment and basic necessities to support themselves. In order to purchase tools or attend church, they had to undertake a long and arduous wagon journey along primitive roads to Stellenbosch. It was on their return from one such journey in 1704 that the settlers found their house burnt to the ground and the farm destroyed. Hence the estate’s sad name, “Allesverloren “ , which means “ all is lost “ .

However , with curious irony, the fate of Allesverloren has since been an unusually happy one.
By 1806, Allesverloren’s owners had already harvested the estate’s first wines, and since the estate passed into the hands of the Malan family in 1872, Allesverloren has gone from strength to strength. The estate is 227 hectares and is still making wines of renown.

Allesveloren estate is renowned for its distinctive red wines and the robust, full-bodied reds are: Allesverloren Tinta Barocca , Shiraz , Touriga Nacional , Cabernet Sauvignon and Port.

“The secret of the success of the Allesverloren Wines is in the terroir.” Winemaker Danie Malan

The months of maturation of the wines in oak barrels adds a warmth and body to the wine’s inherent fruity character. The multi-dimensional Allesverloren red wines have a great ageing potential and serves as the ideal accompaniment to roasted red meat and venison dishes.

TASTING CENTRE:
Allesverloren celebrated 200 years of winemaking on the estate ( 1806—2006 ) and has opened a new tasting centre in one of the oldest buildings on the farm as part of the celebrations. The building dates back to the early 19 th century and was constructed from stone and clay, sections of which can be seen behind glass frames at the entrance. The building originally housed the farm manager but was later used as a stable, grain store and then a pig sty! The original silo has been converted into exquisite toilet facilities. The original dung-smeared floor has been replaced by a floor of cork and glue. A large stoep and pergola have been built in front of the shop and provide a breathtaking view .

RESTAURANT AVAILABLE ON THE ESTATE:
The Restaurant that opened on the estate is : Pleasant Pheasant @ Allesverloren.
The Restaurant is open for lunch every day till 15h00 and for dinner Thursdays to Saturdays.
It is advisable to book in advance at 022 461 2170.