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Experience Black Horse Estate: Where Sustainability, Artisan Flavors & Countryside Charm Meet in Magalies

  • Writer: Jake-Lee Coetzee
    Jake-Lee Coetzee
  • Aug 10
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 11

The Black Horse Estate is not just a stop along the way in Magalies — it’s the destination. It’s the kind of place that pulls you in with its warmth, holds you with its charm, and lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.


“Black Horse Estate nestled in the foothills of the Magalies Mountains with lush greenery and artisanal facilities”

Once a stud farm, Black Horse has grown into the one and only place to be in Magalies — a living, breathing celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, warm countryside hospitality, and sustainability at its finest. The estate is fully self-sustainable, running on its own produce, Belted Galloway beef to the wild boar organically raised on its sister property, Galloway Gardens This isn’t just a farm; it’s a working masterpiece of nature and nurture.

Discover Black Horse Magalies — a sustainable farm and craft brewery renowned for award-winning gins, exceptional farm-to-table dining, and a warm, inviting countryside experience.


“Luxury private guest arriving by helicopter to Black Horse Estate with premium Belted Galloway beef farm in the background”

The Experience

Black Horse is known far and wide for serving up the best gin, milkshakes, and craft beer tastings in Magalies. But it’s so much more than a brewery — it’s an experience. The moment you step onto the property, you’re surrounded by a rich farm-to-table dining philosophy that doesn’t just feed you — it tells you a story in every bite and sip.

And oh, the attention to detail. From the hand-crafted beers and gins to the helicopter landing pad for private guests, to the ample parking for supercars — Black Horse doesn’t just invite you; it rolls out the red carpet in pure countryside style.


“Luxury private guest arriving by helicopter to Black Horse Estate with premium Belted Galloway beef farm in the background”

The Welcome

Owners Karen and Bernard Botha are the heart of the estate. Their welcome is the kind that isn’t rehearsed, isn’t forced — it’s pure joy. Smiles, warmth, and an unspoken promise that you’re about to have an experience you’ll never forget.

And they deliver.


“Bernard Botha, owner of Black Horse Estate, standing proudly with a Friesian horse in Magalies”

A Culinary Wonderland


“Private helicopter landing at Black Horse Estate Magalies for luxury guest arrivals”


A Culinary Wonderland At Black Horse Estate Magalies

I was swept straight into a culinary journey that felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I started with the wild boar ragout — a dish so rich, so tender, and so perfectly balanced that it transported me to a wonderland of taste. The wild boar, born and raised organically at Galloway Farm, brings a depth of flavor you simply can’t replicate.

Then came the eisbein — succulent, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection, dressed with a home-brewed honey and mustard sauce that danced across every taste bud. It was indulgence, it was comfort, it was the essence of countryside soul served on a plate.


Wild boar ragout at Black Horse Estate made from organically raised game

Succulent eisbein with homemade honey and mustard sauce at Black Horse Estate Magalies

A Touch of Tuscany in Magalies

There are lit fireplaces along the entire property that make you feel like you’ve drifted into a little hidden gem of Tuscany. As you walk from building to building, you can feel the warmth of the different fires around you, warming not only your body but your soul.


Pair that with the breathtaking views of the Magalies mountains and the sight of the resident Friesian horses grazing peacefully in their paddocks, and you have a setting that is both grounding and magical.


“Lit fireplaces creating a warm atmosphere at Black Horse Estate in Magalies”

The Liquid Artistry — Home-Made Limoncello & Craft Gins That Sing


At Black Horse Estate, the passion doesn’t stop at food — it pours straight into every glass you raise. Their home-made secret recipe Limoncello is a revelation, a zesty, vibrant elixir that dances on your tongue with the perfect balance of tart citrus and sweet warmth. Crafted carefully using locally sourced lemons, this Limoncello is more than a drink; it’s a celebration of sunshine, patience, and artisanal magic bottled just for you.


“Handcrafted artisan gins including the Koolibrie Gin inspired by South African hummingbird at Black Horse Estate”

But the gin? Oh, the gin is where Black Horse truly shines. Their range of award-winning craft gins showcases a masterful blending of indigenous botanicals and innovative distilling techniques. Each sip is a journey — from crisp, floral notes to deep, spicy undertones, every batch tells a story of place and passion.


“Handcrafted artisan gins including the Koolibrie Gin inspired by South African hummingbird at Black Horse Estate”

One standout gem is the Kolibrie Gin, named after South Africa’s tiny but mighty hummingbird — the kolibri. This gin captures the essence of this delicate bird’s quicksilver energy and bold spirit. Inspired by the hummingbird’s vibrant colors and swift movements, the Koolibrie Gin bursts with bold, bright flavors that surprise and delight with every sip. Floral, fruity, and slightly herbaceous, it’s a gin that honors nature’s intricate beauty while pushing the boundaries of craft


Enjoy it neat, in a classic G&T, or paired with one of Black Horse’s house-made tonics — each combination is designed to highlight the gin’s complex character and leave you wanting more.

At Black Horse, every drink is more than just a beverage. It’s liquid craftsmanship, a testament to tradition and innovation coming together in perfect harmony.


More Than a Destination

Black Horse isn’t just about food and drink. It’s about connection — to the land, to the community, and to the people who walk through its doors. The estate is actively involved in community growth programs and empowerment initiatives, standing tall as a beacon of what sustainable, heart-driven hospitality can be.

“Lush green gardens surrounding Black Horse Estate creating a serene countryside retreat in Magalies”

Why You Must Go

Whether you arrive in a helicopter, roll up in a supercar, or stroll in from the village, Black Horse Estate will greet you with the same open arms and full heart. It’s the countryside at its most refined — a blend of rustic charm, luxury detail, and soulful storytelling through taste and place.

Do yourself a favor. Make the pit stop. Taste the gin. Savor the beer. Let the fires warm you. And let this little slice of Magalies magic remind you that some places aren’t just visited — they’re felt.


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