Rust en Vrede was established in 1694 by the then Governor of the Cape, Willem Adrian van der Stel. It was originally made up of a larger property but in the early 1700’s was divided into two whereby the original section remained as Rust en Vrede. The first house on the estate was built in 1780 followed by the cellar in 1785. In 1790 the larger manor house was built.

The front gable of this manor house was destroyed in a fire in 1823, hence the rebuild date of 1825 on the front gable. At the end of 1977 the Engelbrecht family took residence on Rust en Vrede. The family and their ancestors have been grape growers since the early 1700’s and by moving to Rust en Vrede, became wine producers for the first time. In 1978 R&V produced its first wines of the modern era. Jannie Engelbrecht made these wines and then appointed Kevin Arnold as cellar master of Rust en Vrede.

In 30 years Rust en Vrede has had only two appointed winemakers, namely; Kevin Arnold and Louis Strydom. In 2007 Coenie Snyman was appointed winemaker responsible for Rust en Vrede but as part of a bigger team. Louis Strydom is still very much involved in the winemaking ventures of the company. The company and the estate is now headed up by Jean Engelbrecht who amongst others is also in partnership with Ernie Els at their co- founded venture called Engelbrecht Els Vineyards. At Rust en Vrede they produce only 20.000 cases of wine per year of which 65% is exported to more than 30 countries around the world.

Rust en Vrede is a remarkable example of exquisite landscaping. At home and abroad, this unassuming Stellenbosch Estate has made a name for itself far beyond its modest, but infinitely charming, 55 hectares.