Stellenbosch Wine Region Guide

Winemaking and regional classifications

South Africa was formerly only known for its Pinotage and Chenin Blanc; today, a colorful mosaic of wine styles is up for grabs. Once ignored by connoisseurs, Chenin Blanc is now ready to be recognized as the country’s leading white grape variety – oaked examples offer great depth and complexity and can age for several years. Indeed, old vine Chenin is arguably the Cape’s most significant offering to the wine world, although sadly, much has been replanted in favor of other varieties over the past two decades. So look out for the Reserve Chenin from De Morgenzon and Ken Forrester’s FMC. In the coolest areas of Stellenbosch, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are both highly successful; Hamilton Russel’s Chardonnay is noted for its almost Burgundian qualities.

In recent years, Stellenbosch has embraced the lesser known, including Viognier and white Rhone varieties like Marsanne and Semillon. De Morgenzon’s white Rhone blend, Maestro, is noted for its potent aromas and powerful tropical fruit palate. Cap Classique, the nation’s traditional method of fizz, is fantastic, too.

Nonetheless, the red wines truly succeed in Stellenbosch, both in terms of consumer recognition and commanding the highest prices. Bordeaux blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon are massively popular – Vergelegen’s flagship wine, V, and Meerlust’s Rubicon are considered top of the class and wines to rival Cru Classe Bordeaux even. Red Rhone varieties, particularly Syrah, also work well in Stellenbosch, as does Pinot Noir in the cooler sites of Walker Bay. Pinotage is the country’s unique offering, although it continues to divide opinion, even among winemakers.

A land of diversity indeed!

Geography and terroir

As you might expect, Stellenbosch is no ‘one trick pony’ regarding the growing conditions and terroir found across this expansive viticultural area. But in general terms, most vineyards thrive in an almost faultless Mediterranean climate, with rain concentrated in the winter months. Yet there is a wide variation of microclimates within the region; maritime breezes help to temper the summer heat, as does the influence of the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains. North, further from the sea, temperatures tend to be higher, but the climate is generally benign and ideal for ripening fruit of the highest quality.

Stellenbosch also boasts the oldest geology in the world, a key factor that undoubtedly contributes to the excellent quality of its wines. Vines are planted on ancient, weathered soils with a typical granite, sandstone, or shale composition. They tend to be light and sandy on the western valley floor and heavier on the slopes of the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch mountains.

It is still common for estates to vinify fruit from a wide range of locations, although increasingly single-estate wines are becoming more widespread. As with all regions, there is a variance in quality across producers, but the best wines are remarkable for their concentration and structure. Ultimately, our favorite spot is the vineyards around Stellenbosch, which benefit from the southerly ocean breezes from False Bay. Like those of the famous estate De Morgenzon, mountain vineyards also produce fantastic fruit and are particularly suited for white varieties.