Clouds Estate

The Ultimate Review For Clouds Estate Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

Fewer places are more stunning and serene as the Cape’s wine region in my opinion. I’ve visited many wine regions around the world and although I’d like to think of myself as somewhat knowledgeable about wine, I will forego making any comparisons of wine itself. However, I can safely say that Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most visually stunning wine regions in the world.

Clouds Estate Vineyards
Clouds Estate Vineyards

I’ve been to the Cape’s wine region numerous times and always recommend my readers who want help with their honeymoons in South Africa to spend a few nights in this region. The wine tastings are super affordable, the food is top class, and the views are unforgettable.

Clouds Estate pool
Clouds Estate pool

One of my favorite places to stay in this region is Clouds Estate. Located in the Helgshoote Pass, the views of the nearby mountains are truly breathtaking. The estate their own wine and houses a hotel that matches the views it offers. For the price, I think Clouds estate is some of best that Stellenbosch has to offer. I’ve stayed here a few times and have recommended many of my readers to stay here as well.

As well, make sure to read my review of the De Zeven wine farm nearby which is absolutely breathtaking as well. Both are great options if you plan the Cape. If you need ideas for how to structure your day and which farms to visit, make sure to read my one day Cape wine region itinerary.

Booking my stay at Clouds Estate


I booked Clouds Estate using booking.com which is my go to booking engine for most of my accommodation stays. Clouds Estate has different rates depending on the season like almost every place in the Cape Town area. In the summer months, expect to be pay roughly $250 – $400 for a room depending on the type of room. Winter months you can expect to pay roughly $150 – $300.

I ended up booking the Deluxe Suite which is in it’s own building and comes with a private deck. However, all the rooms are fully equipped with stunning views of the valley.

Arrival and Check in


Clouds Estate is located directly off the main Helshoogte Road very near to Delaire Graff and Tokara wine farms. Once you get past the gates, you’re right in the middle of their vineyards as you make the drive to their main manor house.

To get to Clouds Estate from Cape Town, you can either drive or take an Uber. The directions are relatively straight forward and you can’t miss it from the main road. An Uber from Cape Town will be about R500 and R400 from the airport. There is free parking on site.

Common space

Clouds Estate

Upon arrival, we were promptly welcomed by the staff who greeted us with a glass of white wine and small snacks. The main lobby is warmly decorated with modern couches, colorful artwork, and rustic tables with views of the mountains outside. Cutlery and table clothes have Clouds Estate’s signature orange accents which some may like and others may find too much. I like the contrast and thought it went very well with the aesthetics of the hotel.

From the main lobby, you can walk directly out to the main lawn which has more tables if you want to drink or eat outside. The pool is also located right on the main lawn as well as numerous lounge chairs and bean bags.

There are tables both inside and outside for your meals and/or wine tastings. I loved the accented wood doors on the main deck that opened up to stunning views of the nearby mountains.

 

The rooms at Clouds Estate


At Clouds Estate guests have the choice of staying in the main house or in private villas. The main house has rooms with great views of the Simonsberg Mountain and the surrounding vineyards. The rooms are all spacious and beautifully decorated. All rooms also have private balconies.

Clouds Estate also offer guests the choice of staying in private villas with great views of the valley below. Guest can choose inter-leading villas upon request if they are travelling as a family or small group. All the villas are open plan with a double bedroom, bathroom, lounge with air-conditioning, satellite television, sliding doors to the patio and fully fitted kitchenette. Each villa also has its own private patio and access to the swimming pool.

View of the mountains from the deck clouds estate
View of the mountains from the deck

Our Deluxe suite was spacious and thoughtfully decorated. It wasn’t as cool and industrial as our suite at De Zeven nearby, but the views from our porch were absolutely fantastic. Although I booked the deluxe suite, I think the view from the Luxury rooms would be even better (albeit slightly more expensive).

I did love the free beverages that were included as part of our stay. This included a bottle of Clouds Estate’s Sauvignon Blanc, water, and two local beers. Perfect for the sundowner from our porch.


The pools at Clouds Estate


There are two pools at Clouds Estate, one on the lawn of the main building, and another behind the main building nearby to all the suites. Both are open to all guests.

Clouds Estate pool
Clouds Estate pool

Both are infinity pools with fantastic views of both the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountain ranges.

The views from Clouds Estate


Clouds Estate has perhaps some of the best views of Stellenbosch in the entire Cape wine region. It’s nestled deep in the Helshoogte Pass with stunning views of both the Simonsberg mountain range and the Drakenstein. Both mountains tower above the landscape and really adds for extremely dramatic views.

From the main patio and pool area of Clouds Estate, you have full front and center views of both mountains. It’s incredible and I don’t think you could ever tire of the views. The first day was sunny with blue skies, while the second had low clouds gently brushing against the mountain ranges in front of the estate. I must say that even during cloudy days, the view is still stunning in a different way. You know a place has great views when this is the case!

What to eat and do


Stellenbosch is blessed with a plethora of amazing wine farms and top rated restaurants that are in said wine farms. From Clouds Estate, look no further than the two wine farms down the street at Delaire Graff and Tokara. In Delaire Graff, you can visit two award winning restaurants in Indochine and the Delaire Graff Restaurant. Across the street at Tokara is their top rated restaurant that serves an amazing lunch and dinner as well. I would recommend reservations ahead of time especially during the summer months.

Clouds Estate also has a full kitchen and offers lunch and dinners as well. I only stayed here for a night so was not able to try their dinner offerings. From my conversations with the other guests who did stay for dinner, they were all amply satisfied. Other guests had dinner reservations at various restaurants in Franschhoek. The proximity of Clouds Estate means you are a short Uber ride away from the finest dining options in the Cape wine region. Clouds Estate also makes their own wine and although I did not do a full tasting, the wine I did have were very tasty.

Wine tasting at Oldenburg

Among the spoil of riches surrounding Clouds Estate, I can highly recommend the wine tasting at Oldenburg Vineyards. They are very close to Clouds Estate at the base of the Drakenstein mountains. Their estate is absolutely gorgeous a manor house that overlooks the vineyards and mountains. Their wine tasting is among the best I’ve done in the Cape Wine region. You can choose 6 wines, and it comes with a cheese and olive platter for R80 (as of 2019/2020).

Oldenburg Vineyards
Oldenburg Vineyards

The wines here are top notch with some of the highest rated wines in the region. The sommelier was also extremely helpful giving the most vivid explanations of the wines. Oh and the views…I mean you just can’t beat the Cape.

Breakfast at Clouds Estate

Clouds Estate also has a restaurant which we did not try as we had a busy itinerary of wine tastings throughout the day. They did serve a delicious breakfast every day though that was included in the price of the stay.

The breakfast consisted of a continental buffet including breads, pastries, fruits, cold cuts, and more. You’re allowed one hot item off their breakfast menu consisting of omelets, french toast, eggs benedict, etc. They even had Clouds Estate branded sparkling wine readily available for those that want to start their day off early.

Clouds Estate Breakfast
Clouds Estate Breakfast
clouds estate south africa
Clouds Estate in Stellenbosch with amazing views of the valley

All in all, Clouds Estate is a perfect place to stay for a visit to the Cape Wine country. The views are something you won’t soon forget and its proximity to nearby wine farms is perfect.

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