Where tradition meets innovation
Stellenbosch Vineyard is more than a winery – it’s a living, breathing estate shaped by generations of craftsmanship, care, and connection to the land. Nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region, our estate is a place of timeless beauty, with manicured gardens, historic buildings, and vineyards that stretch toward the mountains.
THE ESTATE
Moments that shaped the Vineyard
A Legacy in WINE Making
1694
The estate is founded by Governor Simon van der Stel, laying the groundwork for over three centuries of winemaking heritage.
Construction of the original cellar building – a landmark that still stands as a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition.
1780
1978
After a long pause in wine production, the Engelbrecht family revives the estate with a bold first vintage of the modern era.
In a pioneering move, Syrah is blended with Bordeaux varietals – redefining the estate’s signature style.
1985
1987
Kevin Arnold is appointed winemaker, marking the start of a new era of innovation and excellence.
President Nelson Mandela selects Stellenbosch Vineyard wines for the Nobel Peace Prize dinner in Oslo – a moment of deep national pride.
1993
1996
The estate hosts Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark for an official lunch in the historic Manor House.
Louis Strydom succeeds Kevin Arnold as winemaker, continuing the pursuit of excellence.
1998
2000
International acclaim: Stellenbosch Vineyard becomes the first South African red to be named in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World.
The restaurant is named one of the World’s Top 100 – making Stellenbosch Vineyard the only South African estate recognized for both wine and cuisine at this level.
Coenie Snyman is named Diners Club Winemaker of the Year.
2009
2012
For the fifth time, the estate is honoured in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines. The brand becomes synonymous with consistent quality and distinction.
The restaurant enters Eat Out’s Top 20.
Jean Engelbrecht is recognized as one of the most influential figures in South African wine.
2019
2021
The estate’s flagship blend is awarded “Red Blend of the Year” by Platter’s.
The wine list at the restaurant maintains Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for 11 consecutive years.
Danielle le Roux was appointed winemaker. The 1694 Classification 2017 scored 95 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter. The restaurant was included in 50 Best Discovery.
2022
Excellence in every detail
Climate
Stellenbosch Vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, sun-drenched days and cool, ocean-influenced nights. This climate balance allows for slow, even ripening of the grapes, helping them develop exceptional depth, complexity, and a perfect expression of the terroir. The consistent weather patterns create an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality wines that reflect the unique character of our estate.
Excellence in every detail
Grapes
At Stellenbosch Vineyard, we carefully select grape varieties that thrive in our climate and soils. Our portfolio includes both international and local varietals, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Each variety is hand-harvested at its optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality in every bottle. The careful selection of these varieties allows us to craft wines that are rich, balanced, and expressive, showcasing the true character of the region.
Excellence in every detail
SOIL
The soils of Stellenbosch Vineyard are diverse, ranging from sandy loam to clay, providing the perfect foundation for our vines. These well-draining soils promote healthy vine growth, ensuring that the roots are able to access essential nutrients while maintaining balanced yields. The varied soil types across the estate allow us to plant specific varietals where they thrive best, creating wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of Stellenbosch.
The Heart of Stellenbosch
The Art of Winemaking
Founded in 1694, Stellenbosch Vineyard is proud to be part of a rich winemaking heritage that spans over three centuries. Since 1977, the Engelbrecht family has specialized in the exclusive production of red wines, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Proprietor Jean Engelbrecht has worked tirelessly to establish Stellenbosch Vineyard as one of South Africa’s premier red wine estates, known for producing full-bodied, complex wines that authentically express the unique character of the Stellenbosch terroir.
In 2022, Danielle le Roux took over as the estate's winemaker. Moving from her role within the Stellenbosch Collection, where she had crafted the acclaimed Donkiesbaai and Guardian Peak wines since 2018, Danielle brings her extensive experience and knowledge to the estate. A qualified Cape Wine Master, she is dedicated to creating wines that showcase their varietal character and the distinctiveness of the land. As winemaker at Stellenbosch Vineyard, Danielle continues the legacy of crafting terroir-driven wines that the estate is renowned for.
Our Wines
The Heart of Our Wines
Winemaking here is a meticulous craft rooted in tradition, shaped by experience, and guided by a deep connection to the land. It all begins in the vineyard, where each block is closely monitored for ripeness, balance, and health. Grapes are hand-harvested in the early morning hours to preserve their natural acidity and aromatic freshness.
Once in the cellar, the fruit undergoes careful sorting to ensure only the best berries continue the journey. Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled tanks to retain varietal purity and develop structure. Depending on the wine style, extended skin contact is used to enhance depth and texture.
Aging takes place in premium French oak barrels, where the wines mature for 12 to 24 months. Each barrel is selected for its subtle influence, supporting the wine’s character without overpowering it. Throughout the process, minimal intervention allows the true voice of the vineyard and vintage to emerge.
The result: elegant, expressive wines with a clear sense of origin and a timeless quality that rewards both immediate enjoyment and patient cellaring.
Crafting the Vintage – In 5 Steps:
1. Harvesting
Grapes are hand-picked at dawn to preserve freshness, with each vineyard block harvested at peak ripeness to ensure balance and concentration.
2. Sorting & Crushing
Back at the cellar, only the best grapes are selected through careful sorting. They are gently destemmed and crushed to begin the transformation into wine.
3. Fermentation
Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled tanks. Gentle pump-overs or punch-downs extract color, tannins, and aroma from the skins.
4. Aging
The young wines mature in French oak barrels for 12–24 months. Barrel selection is customized to complement the character of each varietal and vintage.
5. Blending & Bottling
After aging, the wines are carefully blended and bottled on-site. Some are bottle-aged before release to ensure harmony and elegance in every glass.