Stellenbosch in Focus

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s most famous and influential wine region, defined by dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient soils, and cooling ocean influences, creating a complex growing environment capable of producing the country’s greatest wines.

‘Stellenbosch is the historic heart of South African wine with roots stretching back to 1679. Over the centuries, it has become the country’s most influential wine centre, shaping generations of winemakers through its university and setting benchmarks for quality across the Cape. It’s also the birthplace of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature grape, which continues to find its most compelling expressions here.

Located 25 miles east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch has exceptional geological diversity. Its vineyard soils are among the oldest in the world, formed 560 to 600 million years ago, and it’s framed by the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains, while the broader Cape Fold Belt, including Table Mountain, plays a key role in capturing moisture and feeding rivers and aquifers that support viticulture.

The meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans defines Stellenbosch’s climate, with cooling summer heat and moderating winters. Drought has also introduced unlikely vineyard visitors, with baboons drawn from nearby mountains by water scarcity. These pressures only sharpen the region’s focus on balance, producing wines of clarity, structure, and finesse.’

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

A classic expression of Stellenbosch’s freshness and precision, made with South Africa’s most widely planted variety, Chenin Blanc. ‘Petit’ signifies it’s a lighter style of wine, and this wine certainly is that. It’s crisp and zesty with notes of crisp green apple, lime, and stone fruits.

Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage, Stellenbosch

Pioneer Ken Forrester is a renowned producer located in the heart of Stellenbosch. This unoaked Petit Pinotage reflects the modern fruit-driven wine style with notes of mulberry, plum pudding, and cherry, with a hint of smoky bacon.

Journey’s End Founders Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch

Journey’s End Founders Reserve Chardonnay, Stellenbosch

For nearly 30 years, the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, has been tending their picturesque vineyards in the Schapenberg Hills of Stellenbosch. This is an ideal spot for growing Chardonnay. Complex and structured, expect flavours of white peach, citrus blossom, Granny Smith apples, and a streak of minerality.

Journey’s End Founders Reserve Malbec, Stellenbosch

A blend of 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils and refreshing southeastern breezes rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean makes this an ideal spot for growing Malbec. Rich and juicy, expect flavours of cherry, wild plum, and blackberry alongside star anise spice and gentle oak. Try it with grilled meats – especially lamb with Easter lunch!

Thelema ‘The Mint’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch

The vineyard where these grapes are grown is bordered by Eucalyptus trees. A compound called eucalyptol released by these trees can be absorbed into the grape skins during ripening. Discover notes of red berries, dark chocolate, and a subtle hint of eucalyptus.

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