The estate, situated in the Durbanville Wine Valley on the northern outskirts of Cape Town, is being sold as a going concern. With its agricultural assets, established wine production infrastructure and expansion potential, the sale has drawn strong interest from prospective buyers.
Bloemendal was established in 1702 and has built a reputation for producing premium wines, including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Annual fruit production ranges from 850t to 950t per harvest, with a wine production capacity of 850t, which is equivalent to 130 000 bottles of wine per annum.
The estate plays a vital role in the region’s wine production.
Jacques Le Sueur of Rawson Properties, whom is handling the auction on 28 May, confirmed that grape contracts with neighbouring wine farms are in place.
“Bloemendal has a variety of grapes and has contacts in place with nearby wine farms for production of their own award-winning wines.”
The nearly 250ha estate was sold at auction for R105 million to a farming subsidiary of businessman Tokyo Sexwale’s Mvelaphanda Holdings in 2008. It was valued at R130 million at the time. No reason has been given for the current sale of Bloemendal.
In addition to its vineyards, Bloemendal includes restaurants, event and conference facilities and the Bloemendal Trail Park, a popular outdoor facility offering mountain biking and recreational trails. These are operated under rental agreements and are included in the sale.
Tanya Jovanovski, also of Rawson Properties, confirmed the robust interest ahead of the auction.
“We’ve had significant interest ahead of the sale and expect a competitive bidding environment. At this stage, we can’t reveal who the potential bidders are,” she said.
A significant portion of the estate, approximately 40ha to 50ha, has been earmarked for future mixed residential and commercial development.
The Department of Agriculture has approved the subdivision of one section of the farm into three portions in preparation of the planned development. A town planner is being appointed to drive the process further with the City of Cape Town.
Legal steps have been taken regarding farm labour and residency. Most of the staff have been relocated to nearby Fisantekraal and Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA) applications have been lodged with the Land Claims Court.
