Lammershoek Farms & Winery (Pty) Ltd

A Name that Dates Back 3 Centuries, Lammershoek

Among the area’s intriguing names which reflect a rich and varied culture – like Aprilskloof, Paardeberg and Swartland – the farm name Lammershoekdates back more than three centuries, linked to survival, or preservation of life in a previously harsh, untamed environment. Built on the foundations and visions of local wine industry viticultural pioneers like Desiderius Pongrácz and Abraham Perold, Lammershoek is a cornerstone of the Swartland region’s remarkable wine quality and profile momentum in recent decades.

“We are farm people who love nature,” says former German sports biddings expert Andreas Abold, who acquired the 180 hectares property two years ago after already investing in it in 2012. With wife, Sonja, he commutes from their residence in Hout Bay on a weekly basis to spend as much hands-on time on Lammershoek with his team, where their three children keenly join during weekends.

The Secret Behind the name Lammershoek Farms & Winery

Lammershoek literally means “lambs’ corner”, and legend has it that ewes sought shelter for their offspring in the forest alongside the farm when they were threatened by the black eagle which abounded here – giant predator birds locally known as the lammervanger (meaning “lamb catcher” in the Afrikaans language).

The original flock of sheep at the centre of the ‘hiding’ legend, was owned by the first registered owner of Lammershoek, Adriaan van Jaarsveld, a Cape Colonial “free burgher” of the early 1700s. Established in 1718, the farm grew over the centuries into a proud enterprise where mixed stock farming has been replaced by specialised wine-growing as a series of owners developed the 180 hectares property into a top wine farm and cellar.

It is today a place of discovery and vinous delight – driven by the visions of co-owner Andreas Abold and wife, Sonja, who recently immigrated to the Cape from Germany, with the following vision:  Maintaining family values and the accompanying intimacy with nature and sustainable farming. All in the spirit of modesty and being down-to-earth and authentic.