In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the historic Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch fell victim to a raging fire over the weekend, resulting in the devastating loss of its Jonkershuis, Manor House, and Cathedral buildings. Dating back to 1682, the estate stands as a testament to South African heritage, making the destruction all the more poignant.

However, amidst the ashes and ruins, a beacon of hope emerges. Thanks to the courageous and swift actions of Blaauwklippen’s Disaster Management team, dedicated staff, and local fire rescue services, all guests and employees were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries. It’s a silver lining that casts a faint glow amid the darkness of this tragic event.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Emile Joubert (@emilewow)

Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Blaauwklippen’s hospitality management partner, expressed profound sadness at the loss, highlighting the significance of the estate’s architectural heritage. “This is a devastating loss not only for Blaauwklippen Wine Estate but for South African heritage. Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch. Both the Jonkershuis and Manor House were beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the 1700s,” he said.

Established in 2007, Newmark Hotels & Reserves remains dedicated to preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. From Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront to the untamed beauty of the Kruger National Park, Newmark continues to offer unforgettable hospitality experiences across the continent, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.

In light of the fire’s aftermath, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate will remain closed until further notice, with Newmark’s reservations team actively assisting affected guests with their bookings. While the road to recovery may be long, the spirit of resilience and determination shines through as plans for restoration take shape.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stellenbosch Wine Routes (@stellwineroute)