Val de Vie

Val de Vie is a luxurious residential estate and polo club located in the heart of the Cape Winelands in South Africa. This picturesque estate covers 1,000 hectares and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards.

The idea behind Val de Vie was sparked 30 years ago when Martin Venter dreamed of a place in the winelands his family could call home. For many years he searched for the ideal location and then in 2001 he found it while flying over the Paarl Valley. Alongside the Berg River lay a wine farm dating back to 1783 — this would be the ‘Valley of Life’ that he had been dreaming of. Martin then took on the challenge of transforming the sand mine that was then in operation into a lush paradise.

The estate features a variety of high-end amenities and facilities, including an award-winning golf course, a world-class spa, a state-of-the-art gym, a fully equipped equestrian centre, and several restaurants and bars. The polo club is one of the most prestigious in the country, hosting international tournaments and events throughout the year.

Val de Vie is also known for its exceptional residential properties, ranging from stylish apartments to sprawling estates. The properties are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, with many offering breathtaking views of the mountains, vineyards and polo fields.

The estate is committed to sustainability and conservation, with a focus on preserving the natural environment and minimising its carbon footprint. This is evident in the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and the implementation of eco-friendly practices throughout the estate.

In more recent times, Val de Vie has become a popular destination for sporting events, of which the Grand Finale (the final stage) of the Absa Cape Epic, is one of the most prestigious. The estate became the official venue for ‘the Champs-Elysées of the Absa Cape Epic’ in 2017 and the Race has been returning to its magnificent grounds ever since.