The land

Stellenbosch sits 30 miles east of Cape Town in the Western Cape province. The region is dominated by the granite slopes of the Simonsberg, Helderberg, and Stellenbosch mountains, with significant maritime influence from False Bay to the south. The climate is Mediterranean — warm dry summers, cool wet winters. Wine has been made in Stellenbosch since the 1680s, when French Huguenot refugees brought European viticulture to the Cape. The soils are diverse: granite, decomposed granite, sandstone, and clay-loam.

The grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet-led blends are the prestige reds. Pinotage (South Africa’s national grape — see /encyclopedia/grapes-encyclopedia/pinotage-encyclopedia/) is widely planted here. Syrah/Shiraz has been emerging as a serious variety. Chenin Blanc is the great regional white — both in young fresh styles and increasingly serious old-vine bottlings. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sémillon round out the whites.

The old-vine revival

South African wine has gone through a complete reputational renaissance over the last two decades, led by a generation of producers focused on old-vine sites in Stellenbosch and the Swartland. Vines of 50-80 years are common; some are 100+ years. The combination of old vines, careful viticulture, and modern winemaking has produced wines that rival fine wine from anywhere in the world — particularly at the Chenin Blanc and Cabernet level. The Old Vine Project formalizes the recognition of these heritage sites.

Vintages to know

2021 — outstanding. 2019 — exceptional. 2017 — superb. 2015 — legendary.

Producers we know

Kanonkop (the great traditional Pinotage and Cabernet producer — Black Label Pinotage is the reference), Vergelegen, Rust en Vrede, Boekenhoutskloof (especially the Cabernet and Syrah), Tokara, De Toren, Glenelly Estate, Beyerskloof, Meerlust, Le Riche Wines. Chenin Blanc specifically: Mullineux (technically Swartland, but Stellenbosch-adjacent), Ken Forrester, Raats Family Wines.