The farm Plaisir de Merle has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to 1687, when as a result of poverty and religious persecution, the Huguenot Charles Marais and his family left the hamlet of Le Plessis Marly, France, and sailed to the Cape of Good Hope to begin a new life.
In 1688 the Marais family, together with other Huguenots, was settled by Simon van der Stel in the area of Drakenstein, amidst the mountain splendour of the Berg River valley. Charles Marais called his farm Le Plessis Marly, (which gradually evolved to Plaisir de Merle) as a tribute to his birthplace.
Marais, who had experience in wine and cereal farming, immediately planted crops, which flourished within months of his arrival - but sadly, by the time the official land-grant was signed by Simon van der Stel in 1693, Charles Marais's adopted homeland had already claimed his life.
After the death of Charles Marais, his son Claude Marais assumed responsibility for the farm, continuing in the tradition established by his father.
Towards the middle of the 18th century, the farm, then owned by Claude Marais's grandson Jacob, began to prosper in earnest and by 1764 (the year the manor house was erected) Le Plessis Marly boasted 35 000 vines.
When the domestic demand for wine increased and passing ships caused the fledgling Cape wine industry to boom, Jacob's son, Pieter, built up an enviable reputation as one of Groot Drakenstein's great wine farmers. By this time the family's fortune included 55 000 vines.
Daniel Hugo became the next proprietor of Le Plessis Marly, having married one of Pieter Marais's daughters, and between 1805 and 1831, under Hugo's auspices, activity was focussed on the 60 000 vines and the cellar.
The old gabled wine cellar, dated 1831, can still be seen today.
The Farm Today
In 1964 Plaisir de Merle was purchased by Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery (now Distell) from its most recent owners, the Gray family, and today is one of the largest wine farms in the Cape. Covering 974 hectares, it consists of five adjoining sections, namely Plaisir de Merle, Rust-en-Vrede, Drostersnes, La Rochelle and Rachelsfontein.
It has often been said that good wines begin in the soil and at Plaisir de Merle the quality of the arable land is undeniably excellent. This factor and an abundant supply of fresh mountain water, contribute to the excellence of the end product.
In addition, biological control of pests is utilised to prevent contamination of the vines and surrounding vegetation.
The new cellar which houses wine production at Plaisir de Merle represents a minor architectural triumph. Designed by architect Chris de Hart and completed in 1993, it is a harmonious blend of functionalism and aesthetics.
The allegorical mural sculptures and mouldings which emblazon its walls were designed and executed by artist Jan Corewijn, and the huge central mural which graces the cellar's entrance pays symbolic tribute to the families that played a significant role in the history of the farm.
Inside the cellar, equipment has been deliberately kept basic, reflecting a philosophy of simplicity as opposed to excessive sophistication.
The focus is on noble cultivars only.
How To Get There
From Cape Town to Plaisir de Merle via the R45
When travelling on the N1 from Cape Town in Paarl's direction, take the R45 left off-ramp to Paarl. At the stop do not turn left to Paarl, but turn right and proceed underneath the N1 towards Simondium on the R45.
After approximately 8 kilometres the Simondium church will be visible on the left. A short distance after the church building the Plaisir de Merle gates will be visible on the right.
Turn right onto the farm road which will guide you to the Plaisir de Merle manor house approximately 3 kilometres from the gate. 
www.plaisirdemerle.co.za