Dog Star Manor’s story began in 1976
when Joachim and Rosemarie Rieck, having emigrated from Germany to Southwest Africa (now Namibia) in the 1950s, purchased Welmoed Farm. This stunning 10.5-hectare property was sparsely cultivated, with a few bulk-producing grape varieties and some cling peaches and apricots.
The farm infrastructure included a farmhouse from the 1930s, double garages with a loft, a farm shed with a lean-to, and two small staff cottages.
Over the next nine years, Joachim, with the help of a farm manager, began to shape the land. He planted vineyards focusing on Chardonnay and Colombard and expanded one of the cottages closest to the river for family visits. Little did they know, this simple cottage would evolve into what is now Dog Star Manor in 2024.
In 1985, Joachim and Rosemarie moved to the farm permanently. When their two older children decided that farming wasn’t their calling, their youngest daughter Karen, alongside her partner John, took on the mantle. Life changed drastically in 1997 when Joachim was diagnosed with cancer. In 1998, he modernized the river-side cottage, turning it into a cozy home for himself and Rosemarie. This allowed Karen and John to take over full responsibility for the farm in 1999, the same year Joachim sadly passed away.
The following years saw Karen and John put their own mark on the land. They renamed the property Silverthorn and gradually built a brand around their Cap Classique sparkling wines, while John continued his work as Cellar Master at Steenberg in Cape Town. Their passion for aesthetics became apparent as they spent time clearing alien vegetation, planting trees, creating gardens, and renovating buildings, transforming the farm into a haven of beauty.
In 2017, their long-held dream of moving back to the farm and building a cellar and tasting room finally came to fruition, with completion in 2019. But in 2022, following the passing of Rosemarie, Karen and John decided to convert the beloved cottage into guest accommodation. What they anticipated as a simple renovation project became a significant transformation, revealing the need to rebuild due to the old unbaked clay bricks and lack of foundation. The result was a serene space of volume and light, bringing the surrounding nature into the cottage, while reflecting the earthy tones of the shale and lime-rich soils.
While adding final touches to the building, John discovered a South African penny dated 1945, confirming that the original structure dates back to the late 1940s or early 1950s. This historical gem now stands as Dog Star Manor, a place where the rich history of the Rieck family and their deep connection to the land merge with the natural beauty of the farm, offering guests a tranquil escape.
This is the story of Dog Star Manor—a retreat born out of a family’s legacy, love for the land, and a journey through life’s milestones, creating a unique experience for those seeking peace, history, and nature.
