The Holden Manz wine estate is no exception and an abundance of trees line the estate, generating a six-star feel to a thriving five-star wine estate. The grounds are kept as natural as possible, avoiding over-landscaping and merely bringing out what was already there, retaining the estate’s tranquil ambience. The mute variations of different grey tones on the wall surfaces allow the changing light of the seasons and daytimes to play joyfully with the warm interior finishes. Extra-large bed pillows invite you to drift into a calm sleep after a day filled with new experiences in the Western Cape Winelands. The fresh flowers and jug of lemon and mint infused water on your bedside table are only a few little extras that allow you to relax and rejuvenate. Although not a rigorously organic estate, the Holden Manz team takes great care in growing their produce with a focus on natural processes. In keeping with their green and holistic approach, they recycle waste, save electricity where they can and use water sparingly on indigenous foliage in order to achieve their goal of being as close to carbon-neutral as possible. When summer rolls around many of the vegetables and fruit served at The Franschhoek Kitchen come from their abundant gardens. Herbs (such as basil, chives and coriander), seasoning, jams, juices, chickens, eggs, blue-gum honey and even the mustard are produced on the estate.