Visitors to the Chimney Rock estate often compliment us on the beautiful and distinctive architecture of the estate. When the Wilson family established the estate in 1983, they chose Cape Dutch architecture for their buildings and winery. The distinctive gables and bright white stucco exteriors are signature elements of the Cape Dutch-style of the Western Cape of South Africa, found at many of the wineries in the Stellenbosch region, echoing the winemakers’ roots in Holland, Germany, France, and Indonesia. At the Chimney Rock estate, one of the more interesting architectural elements is the massive allegorical frieze of Ganymede, cupbearer to the gods, which decorates the gable of the original barrel room and can be seen from the tasting room courtyard. The inspiration for this frieze came from Groot Constatia, a famous South African winery established in 1685.

We continue to honor the Wilson’s South African architectural legacy by ensuring that all new estate buildings reflect the Cape Dutch style. During the evening, the estate buildings are immediately recognizable along the Silverado Trail, and have long been known as the “brightest light” in the Stags Leap District.