Windmill Wine Shop & Cottages, Big Five Country

'Star-Lit' Wine Cottages stylishly appointed each with breathtaking views from their private decks, with cool breezes, are perfect to spend long warm summer days on. The location is extraordinary; overlooking the Sabie River Valley, and beyond to God's Window and the Drakensberg, with the Kruger National Park and the panoramic Blyde River Canyon just around the corner. An ideal getaway base from which to explore our area or merely relax and unwind, each boasts a wooden deck offering panoramic views of the valley. The 'Star-lit' interiors, which are decorated in natural colours and fabrics, offer comfort and style with king size beds in crisp white linen.

Our Cottages are well spaced to give each other optimal privacy and peace. Each Cottage is en-suite with a shower, basin and separate toilet. There is the choice between king size or twin beds and all are equipped with air-conditioning, heating & cooling, hair dryers, mini kitchenettes with tea & coffee, cutlery & crockery, toaster, fridge and braai (BBQ).

A Continental and English breakfast is served at the Windmill Wine Shop or a Continental breakfast can be placed into your Cottage fridge for you to enjoy at your leisure on your private deck.
Our famous 'Tapas Platters', which are served throughout the day in the Wine Shop and can also be taken to the Cottages for dinner while watching the moon rise, sipping on a glass of wine or pint of local beer. We are part of the same Böhm Family, owners of the acclaimed Böhm's Zeederberg Country House, renowned for their standards and service for more the 26 years. Böhm Zeederberg Country House is in walking distance and offers an innovative set menu Dinner by prior arrangement. Alternatively there are many wonderful restaurants in the near by towns of Hazyview and Sabie.

In the direction of Hazyview is Big Five country with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. With three gates to choose from on our doorstep makes for easy access to the magic found within the park. We can advise you with 'what's to do' in the park, whether it's an organized full or half day open vehicle safaris, night safari, walking safari or a self drive exploration of the Kruger Park including the best picnic sites.

In the direction of Sabie is the Panorama Route including the Blyde River Canyon (third largest canyon in the world), God's Window, Burke's Luck Pot holes, picturesque waterfalls and the historical gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest. Organised tours can be arranged. Our "Sabie River Valley" is the adventure capital of South Africa. There are things to do from Mild-to-Wild: abseiling, bridge swinging, hot air ballooning, microlight flips, mountain bike trails, horse riding, river rafting, white water tubing, quad trails and more…

Shangana Cultural Village is famous for its evenings of African Theatre and Feasts. The Evening Festival held in the flame-lit Chief's kraal, a huge cast of singing dancers presents the history of the Shangaan's, and an authentic dinner is served inside the traditional huts.

We can assist you with reservation for these many activities, in many cases booking is essential.

The Wine Shop offers an unusual wine-tasting-cum-eating experience. After completely transforming an old building into a shop-bar-café of considerable charm, we have rolled out an array of other attractions. A temperature controlled cellar housing the red and rare wines. Wineland products such as Wine Estate brandy, grappa, olive oil, grape seed oil and verjuice.

Tastings are presented daily on Cape Wines, locally brewed beer from Hops Hollow Brewery and South African craft cheeses. And may be deliciously accompanied by our famous 'Tapas Platters' - a sociable eating style where you choose from our deli fridge: goodies such as cheeses, cold cuts, olives, marinated mushrooms, chicken liver pate, pickled fish, smoked trout and home-baked farm breads, piled onto rustic wooden boards, eaten al fresco on the deck around Thomas's handmade tables, or around the fire in the plum-coloured interior.

To accompany your platter the Wine Shop offers a selection of South African wines by the glass. A completely different take on the conventional wine-by-the-glass order favoured by so many, with a selection of at least 10 South African wines to choose from; plus Cape Ports, Brandies and Grappas to accompany the coffee grown and roasted on the farm next door. Prices start at R10 a glass, four glasses are poured from each bottle of wine, and a bottle price is four times the glass price.

Also available is the very different selection of, not only home but hand made, 100% cream, ice creams with flavour from Mild Vanilla to Orange & Basil, Caramel & Cashew Nut Praline, Liquorice & Poppy Seed, Armagnac & Prune to the Wild Cool Pink Chilli ice cream - to mention but a few.

For the serious sweet tooth there are the "Gooeyest" Chocolate Brownies this side of the Pacific Ocean and the traditional Malva Pudding served hot with fresh farm cream. The open-plan kitchen comes alive on our regular 'Wine & Dine' evenings, sometimes hosting guest celebrity chefs or even meet the 'Man Behind the Wine'.

An absolute haven for those who want to combine a gastronomic experience with the traditional safaris and the chance to spot some of the Big Five up close.

Room rates:

BED & BREAKFAST
Including a Continental and English breakfast served at the Wine Shop or a Continental breakfast can be placed in your Cottage fridge to be enjoyed at your leisure on your private deck.