As Kay & Monty Vineyards celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and look back on how far this little farm in The Crags has come. What started as a family’s dream for long, easy lunches and a place where people could simply feel at home has grown into one of the most loved destinations on the Plett Wine Route.
To mark the milestone, we sat down with Lauren Davies, CEO of Rare Earth Retreats and part of the founding family, to reflect on the heart, heritage and moments that have shaped Kay & Monty over the past decade.
What was the original intention behind Kay & Monty?
“We wanted to create a space that felt shared from the very beginning – a place for long, relaxed lunches with family and friends, easy-drinking wine, and an atmosphere where nobody feels rushed. Rare Earth Retreats is family-owned and as a family we’ve always loved celebrating around a big table, so we built something that reflected that. It was really about creating a sense of place where memories could unfold naturally, whether around the lunch table or at weddings and events.
It was made by a family, for other families.”
How has that purpose reflected itself in what K&M is today?
“I think you can still feel that original intention in the way we operate. We don’t have set table times, and we don’t try to turn tables – we encourage guests to settle in and enjoy the moment.
Our wines have also become a lovely extension of the family story. The Chick, Pretty Polly, Champu, the Sav… each one honours a member of the family – and we’ve got another one on the way.
And then there are all the couples who’ve been married here. So many come back over the years – sometimes with their children – to show them where it all began or to celebrate an anniversary. It’s very special. Kay & Monty really does lead with heart, and I think people feel that when they’re here.”
What have some of the highlights been along the way?
“There have been so many. The weddings that Jen, our General Manager, and the team have brought to life – they’ve created some truly beautiful days for people. And the wine accolades have been a big highlight too. We’ve won quite a few awards now, and that’s completely down to our incredible team and how hard they work.”
Of course, no 10-year journey comes without challenges. How have those moments shaped the team and strengthened the brand?
“We’ve had our fair share of tough moments. Opening the restaurant was probably the first big one. Chick had just had a serious helicopter crash, and Steph (Chick’s daughter) and I were with him in Johannesburg until 48 hours before opening. We had no chef, no menu, hardly any décor… we were really building from nothing. But we learnt quickly how important it is to trust the people around you and to keep believing in the goal. Somehow, it all comes together.
Covid was another big blow – especially in the hospitality space – but the moment we reopened, our supporters were right back with us. That meant so much.
And of course, farming comes with its own challenges: baboons, birds, fire, disease… it’s all part of the daily reality. But we face it together, and that’s what keeps us going.”
Looking ahead 10 years, what are you most excited about?
“There’s so much to look forward to. The growth of the Plett Wine Route is a big one – this region is really starting to shine, and it’s exciting to be part of it. The wines coming out of the cellar with Anton Smal are fantastic, and the weddings that Jen and her team are creating just get better and better. We’ve got some wonderful new chapters ahead of us, and plenty more we still want to do.”
Ten years in, Kay & Monty remains exactly what it set out to be: a place rooted in warmth, generosity and a genuine love for bringing people together. And if Lauren’s reflections are anything to go by, the next decade promises even more reasons to gather around the table.
