Nine kilometres from Stellenbosch along the Polkadraai Road, Skilpadvlei stands on land shaped by travel and time. A century ago wagons passed this way toward the Cape Town harbour, stopping beside a dam where animals drank and travellers rested — its clear, quiet water revealing turtles gliding beneath the surface, giving the farm its name: Skilpadvlei, the wetland of the turtles.

The Joubert family settled here in 1917. Since then the farm has not been reinvented, only steadily refined — vineyards replanted, methods adjusted and knowledge carried forward. Today the estate grows its own grapes, produces its own wines and also supplies fruit to other respected producers, reflecting long-standing trust in the quality of the vineyards.

As part of the agricultural industry, we fully depend on our surrounding, just as it depends on us. That’s why we grow our produce organically and sustainably. Over the past decades the carbon footprint of the winery has been positive, which is something we’re really proud of.

Skilpadvlei operates as a complete working farm rather than a single attraction. The restaurant runs daily service, weddings and functions form part of the rhythm of the property, accommodation allows guests to stay within the landscape, and two farm shops and wine tastings connect visitors directly to what is grown and made on site.