Diemersfontein lies a good two kilometres south of Wellington and has belonged to the Sonnenberg family for three generations. Since when exactly, the estate's own website says two different things: "Since 1942" in one place, "Since 1940" in another. Francois Roode has been winemaker since 2003. Alongside the Diemersfontein Original range and the flagship Carpe Diem there is Thokozani, a label in which the staff hold a stake.
- generations of Sonnenbergs
- 3
- dates given on the estate website
- 1940 or 1942
- Francois Roode becomes winemaker
- 2003
- people must book
- 8+
The estate recommends booking your tasting, and for eight or more it is required (as of September 2026). On the estate website the restaurant is now called ASH at Diemersfontein. It used to be called SMUL. If you want to stay, there is a guest house. And the music? The estate tells of Italian prisoners of war who sang opera during the Second World War, and today it has its own staff choir.
Our tipIf you plan to continue over Bainskloof Pass towards Ceres: after flood damage it has been partly open again since 10 July 2026, with traffic control and delays, as of September 2026. Whoever has been tasting lets someone else drive.
Diemersfontein: frequently asked questions
What is the restaurant at Diemersfontein called?
On the Diemersfontein website the restaurant is called ASH at Diemersfontein (as of September 2026). Older sources, such as paarl.net, still give the name SMUL.
Do you need to book a tasting at Diemersfontein?
Diemersfontein near Wellington recommends booking, and it is required for groups of eight or more (as of September 2026).
What is Thokozani?
Thokozani is a wine range from Diemersfontein in Wellington in which the estate's staff hold a stake. Alongside it are Diemersfontein Original and the flagship Carpe Diem.