Behind the Vines: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Discover this coastal gem  

Nestled along the southern coast of South Africa, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is breathtaking. With vineyards sprawling across 220 hectares and a stunning ocean-facing landscape, Benguela Cove offers a unique terroir that gives rise to wines of exceptional character. Here, cool-climate wines are crafted with passion and precision, all under the guidance of renowned winemaker Johann Fourie. 

A terroir crafted by nature  

Located just an hour from Cape Town International Airport, Benguela Cove rests on the edge of the Bot River Lagoon, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This unique setting provides an optimal climate for cool-climate viticulture, with sea breezes cooled by the Benguela current from Antarctica. This influence creates perfect growing conditions, with warm days that promote ripening and cool nights that preserve the grapes’ acidity. Spanning 70 hectares of vines, the land experiences above-average rainfall and diurnal shifts in temperatures which is a crucial element of the viticulture at Benguela Cove. The estate is also near the Cape of Good Hope, a mystical landmark of rugged peninsula that has claimed over 3,000 ships, creating a dramatic backdrop to the vineyards.  

Visionary winemaker Johann Fourie 

Head winemaker Johann Fourie is the driving force behind Benguela Cove’s award-winning wines. With a background in viticulture from Elsenburg Agricultural College and accolades like Winemaker of the Year from both the South African Wine Index and EKOV, Johann brings a wealth of expertise to the estate. His philosophy is simple: “To bridge the gap between the science and the artistry of making wine.” This approach is evident in his commitment to precision viticulture and minimal intervention, allowing the unique character of each grape to shine through. 

“All our wines are 100% grown, made, and bottled on the estate,” says Fourie. “My role is to combine the best efforts of earth and man to produce wines of finesse.” Under his guidance, the estate has flourished, combining traditional and modern winemaking techniques to craft wines that reflect the beauty and complexity of the terroir. 

Blending modern and traditional  

Benguela Cove’s wines are a testament to the care and craftsmanship invested in every step of the winemaking process. With 12 cultivars spread across the estate, the focus is on producing distinctive expressions of each varietal. Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are the mainstays, while smaller parcels of Semillon, Mourvèdre, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot add depth to the portfolio. 

A 400-ton, gravity-fed winery was custom-built to house both traditional and modern fermentation vessels, including stainless steel, concrete eggs, and ceramic clay pots. This mix allows for meticulous vinification of each grape block, with tanks ranging from 1,800 to 32,000 litres that accommodate different styles and techniques. Precision viticulture also plays a crucial role, with a carefully managed irrigation system ensuring that water usage is optimised—an essential consideration given the estate's 95% dry land vineyards. 

Dive into our collection 

• Lighthouse Rosé 2023 
• Lighthouse Syrah 2019 
• Lighthouse Moody Lagoon Red Blend 2019 
• Lighthouse Sauvignon Blanc 2021 

• Noble Late Harvest 2020: A dessert wine with enticing aromas of honey blossom, orange peel, pineapple, and dried peaches. This medium-straw-coloured wine pairs beautifully with strong cheeses, figs, pâtés, and desserts. 
• Cuvee 58 Methode Cap Classique Brut NV: A sparkling wine with bright aromas of candied apple, pear, and sweet grass, balanced by a tangy finish and a fresh floral note. This elegant bubbly is perfect for celebrations and special occasions.