On a beautiful summer’s day in the Cape, we took possession of the Bentley Bentayga Azure for a trip across the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and back again to the western outskirts of Stellenbosch and our final destination, Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards. Over the course of our journey, we discovered two oases – one on wheels, and one on ancient soil.
For those who prioritise wellness, the Bentley Bentayga Azure provides an oasis of calm and serenity in a busy life. Like all of Bentley’s Azure models, the Bentayga Azure is fully capable of delivering thrilling performance, while prioritising the well-being and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants.
Bentley is synonymous with effortless grand touring, blending raw power with silken comfort. The new Azure range takes this legacy to a transcendent level where wellbeing reigns supreme and every journey is elevated to an experience of supreme comfort and refinement.
THE AZURE EXPERIENCE
The Azure ethos is a curated symphony of science and luxury, crafted with input from neuroscientists and wellbeing experts. Every detail – color, texture, sound, even the way your body settles into the seat – has been finessed to melt stress away. From the tactile pleasures of its handcrafted interior to the near-silent cabin that cocoons occupants from the outside world, the Azure prioritises relaxation above all else. Slumping’s out; serenity’s in.
The seats are a highlight – 22-way adjustable, heated, ventilated, and featuring a sublime massage function. Finding the perfect seating position is effortless regardless of body type or posture. The side bolsters gently hold you in place, while the comfort headrests and electric seatbelt adjustment subtly refine the experience. Bentley has recognised that long-distance driving should be an experience of relaxation, not endurance.
SMOOTH AS SILK
Bentley Dynamic Ride, the brand’s advanced 48V active anti-roll control system, ensures that the Bentayga Azure delivers an impeccable balance between composure and comfort. It electronically decouples the anti-roll bars when cruising, allowing for a smooth, float-like ride, but instantly stiffens them when cornering to keep the body stable. This system makes a noticeable difference on winding roads, where the Bentayga remains poised yet plush, effortlessly ironing out imperfections in the tarmac.
The Touring Specification comes as standard, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Bentley Safeguard. These advanced driver assistance systems work seamlessly to reduce cognitive load, making long-distance journeys feel almost effortless. The Head-Up Display and Night Vision enhance driver confidence, particularly on late-night highway drives.
THE SCIENCE OF SERENITY
With superior NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) suppression, the cabin remains whisper-quiet, even at high speeds. The attention to sound design extends beyond suppression – Bentley’s acoustic engineers have carefully tuned the cabin’s ambient noise to create a soothing rather than sterile environment.
This holistic approach to well-being also extends to visual and tactile elements. The Azure’s interior features ‘wellness quilting’ – fractal patterns designed to be visually calming and inviting to the touch. The selection of open-pore wood veneers, such as Dark Walnut, Crown-Cut Walnut, and Koa, further enhances the organic, serene atmosphere. Even the colour palette has been chosen with neuroscience in mind, with hues subtly influencing mood and relaxation.
Azure customers also enjoy a choice of 15 hide colours and colour splits, with contrast stitching as standard and seat piping as a no-cost option. Completing the interior specification are Bentley “B” foot pedals, mood lighting, and a duo-tone heated steering wheel, all of which contribute to the vehicle’s sensory appeal.
PERFORMANCE MEETS COMFORT
The Bentayga Azure is powered by Bentley’s proven 4.0-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. This powerhouse delivers 770 Nm of torque, propelling the Azure from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 290 km/h. Despite this supercar-level performance, the engine remains refined and composed, ensuring rapid acceleration when needed, but never at the expense of composure.
It’s also the tiny details that define the Azure experience. The jewel-like filler cap, illuminated treadplates, and Azure badging on the fascia and seat embroidery are not just cosmetic touches – they contribute to a sensory experience that is both indulgent and subtly reassuring. Externally, the Bentayga Azure features bright chrome lower bumper grilles, Azure badging, and unique 22” ten-spoke wheels that add to its elegant and timeless presence. The effect is both elegant and timeless.
UVA MIRA: WHERE WINE MEETS WONDER
Stepping out of the Bentley Bentayga Azure onto the soil of Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards, perched on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain Range, feels like crossing into a realm where time slows and nature reigns supreme. Acquired by Toby Venter, the titan behind Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini in South Africa, this Stellenbosch gem hums with a quiet energy, the kind that drew Venter himself to this location in 2014, turning a quest for a second home into a decade-long legacy of vinous excellence.
In the process, Venter sought to bring the same pursuit of perfection that defines his automotive empire into the realm of fine winemaking. His meticulous attention to detail permeates every aspect of the estate, from the vineyard rows to the elegant tasting room, where every element is curated to elevate the visitor’s experience.
Here each wine tells the true story of nature as it captures the essence of a terroir amplified by cool sea breezes, a granite foundation, and mineral-rich soil, all covered by acres of fynbos. As with each wine, each label tells its own story that reaches back through generations of family, and even further back in time and space to Mira, the red binary star in the constellation of Cetus, hundreds of light-years away.
THE ART OF WINEMAKING
Uva Mira’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for nature, employing cutting-edge technology alongside traditional methods to craft wines of elegance, minerality, and longevity. Here, the journey from vine to glass is nothing short of an art form. Each berry is hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring only the finest fruit makes its way to the cellar. The grapes are then sorted with meticulous care, fermented in stainless steel, and matured in hand-selected French oak barrels, each chosen for its unique contribution to the final blend.
The estate’s vines thrive under the watchful eye of viticulturist Hilton Phipson and oenologist Christiaan Coetzee, whose 12th vintage in 2024 marks a milestone in this storied journey. Every sip tells a story of a process as precise as poetic.
A TERROIR LIKE NO OTHER
The magic of Uva Mira lies in its exceptional terroir. Situated in the coastal region of Stellenbosch, the estate benefits from ancient soils, dating back to the supercontinent of Gondwana. These ancient, well-draining soils impart a remarkable depth and complexity to the wines.
Elevation plays a crucial role as well. The high-altitude vineyards, some of the loftiest in Stellenbosch, experience cooler temperatures, slowing the ripening process and allowing for the development of nuanced flavors and bright natural acidity. The proximity to the ocean ensures a steady breeze from False Bay, which moderates the climate and contributes to the estate’s signature finesse and balance.
HARMONY WITH NATURE
Beyond winemaking, Uva Mira embraces a philosophy of sustainability, ensuring that the land remains pristine and bountiful for future generations. Roaming through the vineyards, we noticed owl and bat boxes nestled among the trees, perches for birds of prey, and beehives humming with life – a testament to the estate’s commitment to natural farming practices.
This symbiotic relationship with nature extends to the winery, where recycling and composting initiatives ensure that nothing goes to waste. The result is an environmentally responsible estate and wines that express purity and authenticity.
AWARD-WINNING PRESTIGE
Uva Mira’s dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed. Over the last decade, the estate has garnered prestigious accolades, cementing its place among the world’s elite wineries. From the title of “One of the World’s Great Chardonnay Makers” to platinum awards at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the recognition speaks volumes about the mastery at play here.
The tasting room offers breathtaking panoramic views over False Bay and the Helderberg mountains – an exquisite setting that feels almost surreal. The hospitality is warm yet sophisticated, with each tasting curated to showcase the estate’s finest offerings.
What makes Uva Mira truly special is not just the wines, nor the breathtaking scenery, but the unwavering dedication to excellence permeating every aspect of the estate. This is where pursuing perfection is more a way of life than merely an aspiration.
LAST WORD
In a world where stress is an ever-present companion, the Bentley Bentayga Azure offers a rare escape – a space where comfort, technology, and performance exist in perfect harmony. In much the same way, Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards offers an exquisite sanctuary where nature, craftsmanship, and luxury converge.
Report by Wilhelm Loots | Images © Ryan Abbott
