Spier Wines, South Africa

 Introducing Spier Wines

Spier, in the heart the famous Cape Winelands, is more than a hotel. It is a destination in itself. With the first luxury hotel in South Africa to be Fair Trade in Tourism certified, Spier offers visitors a variety of authentic experiences - from food and wine to outdoor activities - in beautiful surroundings.

The 155-bedroom hotel built on the banks of the Eerste River and with panoramic views of the surrounding Helderberg mountains provides 4-star comfort in a charming village-style setting. Comfortable, spacious bedrooms are grouped around six private courtyards and individual pools, with the grounds and walkways landscaped with indigenous plants. Spier is focused on sustainability and wherever possible locally made and environmentally friendly products are used. In addition to being a centre of leisure and culture, Spier is also pioneering social and ecological programmes to help eliminate poverty, protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for the local community.

Spier is a premier destination for families wanting to travel without compromising on luxury. Special toy boxes for the very young are placed in rooms. There is a Children’s Clubhouse where children less than six years can be left in professional care during the day and children up to 12 entertained in the evening. Watching nature's small miracles, experiencing the feeling of space in which to run wild, interacting first hand with birds and animals at the Cheetah Outreach Centre and the Raptor Rehabilitation project, exploring a farm and discovering its secrets: these are the kinds of activities that children can do while still playing in a protected environment.

Its situation on the banks of the Eerste River near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek - world famous wine regions - and its business interests in a number of wine farms, means that wine is one of Spier's top attractions. But in true Spier style, it has ensured that its wine businesses are sustainable and the estate has received Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (Wieta) accreditation.

The Wine Centre on the estate stocks and sells the Estate's own award-winning selection - and hosts daily tasting sessions and educational wine experiences that provide visitors with an appreciation for excellence.

Spier’s own signature wines, distinctive in their individuality and expression, are hallmarked by a strong heritage, dating back to the plantings of the first vineyards in 1692. Special Spier wine tastings take place in the Wine Welcome Centre.

The Spier Hotel has its own  elegant restaurant, offering á la carte fine dining for guests. At the popular Wine Bar and terrace guests can enjoy sundowners, healthy light lunches and bar snacks. For a lively evening  with outdoor entertainment, moyo at Spier is a 650-seater restaurant that brings the taste of Africa to your tree-top  table or stylish tent. The Jonkershuis Restaurant, on the banks of the Eerste River, gives guests a taste of South African food. The Spier Deli, on a wooden deck overlooking the dam with views of the majestic Helderberg Mountains, also allows guests to picnic on the lush lawns.

The Spier art collection, shown in the public spaces as well is in guest's rooms, reflects trends and developments within contemporary South African art. It also visibly demonstrates how Spier has nurtured artists by supporting their careers and being a patron of the arts. A gallery has been created in the historic wine cellar.

The Africa Centre is a not for profit independent organisation dedicated to supporting and celebrating the rich history and contemporary practice of African Arts and Culture. This is a division dedicated to the arts, culture and heritage of the continent.

For businesses looking to revitalise their management teams or host a conference in a relaxing environment, Spier offers flexible conferencing options that can be tailored to match specific needs with seating for up to 430 delegates.

Spier has completed a challenging and creative building project on the south bank of the estate resulting in a series of meeting spaces that have been created by using materials found on the 430 hectare property. The environmental centres were created from adobe bricks made on the estate, and cleared alien vegetation.

The Spier Hotel offers a wide range of facilities including a travel desk, information centre and boardroom, with e-mail and Internet services all available. Its boutique spa offers a variety of holistic treatments and a full range of spa therapies.

There are shuttle services both on and off the estate and for night owls, 24-hour room service is available. www.spier.co.za