Inside Billionaire Lifestyle: Stellenbosch Owner Johann Rupert's Lavish L'Ormarins Estate

Inside Billionaire Lifestyle: Stellenbosch Owner Johann Rupert's Lavish L'Ormarins Estate

  • L’Ormarins boasts nine top-tier vineyards and Africa’s only Terra del Capo cellar, offering a luxury wine-tasting experience with Italian flair
  • The estate features a championship stud farm and the Franschhoek Motor Museum, home to over 220 rare and exotic cars dating back to 1898
  • Despite owning the estate and Stellenbosch FC, billionaire Johann Rupert’s actual residence remains unconfirmed, with rumours pointing to a hidden R40 million mansion in Cape Town
  • Briefly News spoke with financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about why public figures often face backlash for spending on luxury

Tucked away in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley lies one of South Africa’s most opulent private estates—L’Ormarins, the crown jewel in Johann Rupert’s multi-billion rand empire.

Inside the Billionaire Lifestyle: Johann Rupert’s Lavish L’Ormarins Estate
Despite owning the estate and Stellenbosch FC, billionaire Johann Rupert’s actual residence remains unconfirmed, with rumours pointing to a hidden R40 million mansion in Cape Town.Image/Johann Rupert.
Source: Twitter

A legacy estate turned luxury landmark

Originally owned by his late father, Anthonij Rupert, the estate has since been passed down to Johann Rupert, South Africa’s richest man.

The property has evolved into more than just a residence—it’s a sprawling testament to wealth, history, and taste.

Read also

Andile Jali’s R17 million mansion: style, space, and star power.

A winelover’s paradise

L’Ormarins Estate is home to nine distinct vineyards, each producing a variety of world-class wines.

From Syrah and Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Verdot, the range is as diverse as it is exquisite.

These are housed within the Terra del Capo cellars, a standout feature touted as the only one of its kind in Africa.

Visitors can sample wines in a sleek, Italian-inspired tasting room.

Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha what fuels public criticism when celebrities splurge on luxury.

She explained that Luxury is often seen as a symbol of wealth.

"Possessing high-end items creates a perception of wealth, shaping how others judge someone’s financial status based on appearances rather than reality.

Cape Dutch grander and priceless views

Further up the estate is the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, decked in traditional Cape Dutch architecture and filled with rare artefacts.

Read also

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s hidden palace: A peek inside the Kaizer Chiefs legend’s lavish home

From its vantage point, the room offers sweeping views of the Franschhoek Wine Valley and Groot Drakenstein Mountains.

A playground of prestige: Horses and vintage cars

Beyond vineyards, the estate also features the Drakenstein Stud Farm, where champion thoroughbreds are bred and trained.

Rupert’s love for cars also finds a home here—the Franschhoek Motor Museum showcases over 220 classic and exotic cars, dating back as far as 1898.

Mystery around his true residence

While L’Ormarins shines with grandeur, it’s unclear whether Rupert actually lives there. Rumours suggest he owns a secluded mansion worth over R40 million in Cape Town’s elite suburbs. He’s never confirmed it, fueling ongoing speculation.

A fortune built over decades

According to Forbes, Johann Rupert’s net worth sits at an eye-watering $11 billion (R136 billion), making him not only South Africa’s wealthiest individual but a formidable name globally.

A Quiet giant in a vineyard empire

Read also

Royal AM: The fall of Shauwn Mkhize’s football empire

From wine cellars to rare vehicles and elite horses, Johann Rupert’s estate paints a portrait of power wrapped in understated elegance.

L’Ormarins isn’t just a home—it’s a billionaire’s sanctuary, cloaked in vines, views, and mystery.

Inside Patrice Motsepe's R69 million Cape Town mansion

Briefly News previously reported that South Africa’s first Black billionaire, Patrice Motsepe, is not only a mining magnate and philanthropist but also a man of impeccable taste in luxury real estate and lifestyle.

His R69 million mansion in Cape Town’s prestigious Bishopscourt suburb stands as a symbol of elegance, boasting six en-suite bedrooms, a 24-seater dining room, a home theatre, cigar lounge, gym and a 10-bay garage for his luxury car collection.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a passionate sports journalist with six years of experience covering African and global sports. Harrison provides sharp analysis, engaging commentary, and compelling storytelling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za

Fulufhelani Mashapha avatar

Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.