The huge South African producer Distell, with wine brands such as Pongracz, Two Oceans, Fleur du Cap and Neethlingshof, has sold one of its star properties, Plaisir de Merle in Paarl.
We visited Plaisir de Merle a few years ago. It is a magnificent estate. The Manor House was built in 1764 and is dazzling white, has ornate gables and thatched roofs and is one of the earliest and finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Plaisir de Merle was founded by one of the French Huguenots who came to South Africa in the late 17th century and settled in Paarl. Charles Marais was one of the few who actually had winegrowing experience from France.
The new happy owner of Plaisir de Merle is the Jordaan family, who also owns the Bartinney Wine Estate in the Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch. Distell for its part still owns Allesverloren, Nederburg and Durbanville Hills.
Read more: thedrinksbusiness
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