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Wine Routes
Province: Western Cape
Helderberg Wine Route
Not far from the southernmost tip of the vast African continent, amidst the villages of the Boland, sprawl the vineyards of the
Helderberg Wine Route, guarded by the majestic mountain from which they take their name.
A short 15 minute drive from Cape Town airport takes one to the heart of the Helderberg Wine Route, which lies near the town of Somerset West and just a short distance from the equally
renowned wine producing areas of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
The temperate climate of the Cape and ideal soil conditions combine with the winemakers' art to produce wines that compete favourably with the best in the world. Cooled by summer sea breezes, the vineyards on the slopes of the Helderberg share a mountain and maritime climate, producing wines with a distinct and unique character.
The Helderberg has established itself as a premium wine-producing area. Numerous awards,
world class wines and site-specific vineyards have ensured that the producers of this area gain both local and international recognition.
The 20 members of the Helderberg Wine Route range from a 300-year old historical property to state of the art boutique wineries. The visitor will be enchanted by boutique cellars still using the traditional basket press method, original family-owned estates and magnificent manor houses. Lunches highlighting local fare and superb wines can be enjoyed at a number of these wineries.
Wineries on the Helderberg wine route:
Alto
Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg, Alto's vineyards cling to the high granite slopes. These slopes, rising from 100 to 500 metres above sea level are ideal for the cultivation of red varietals. Alto's vineyards face north, north-east and north-west. In summer the late-afternoon sea breezes that rise from False Bay cool the grapes, thus lengthening the ripening period and preserving the complex flavours. The Estate has won more than 70 gold medals in open competition with the best wines in the world.
Annandale Wineries
Avontuur
Avontuur have recently employed a new winemaker, Lizelle Gerber. Avontuur seems set to soar to new heights. Not only does the cellar concentrate on Noble cultivars, they also have a brandy and Cap Classique to add to their range. Under the careful guidance of winemaker, Lizelle Gerber Avontuur has achieved new heights of excellence. Lizelle is the only female winemaker to win the prestigeous SAA award.
Bilton
Bilton Wines is situated in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains. Originally known as Bonterivier, the farm dates back to 1694. The first vines were planted in 1726 and an old wine cellar, dated 1824, still graces the estate. Since 1996 a scientific replanting programme has ensured that our vineyards are planted with noble cultivars that are ideally suited to the terroir.
Cordoba Winery
Cordoba is situated high on the slopes of the Helderberg with views over False Bay. The grapes grow at 600 m above sea-level and red wines constitute 70 percent of production. Cordoba estate commands majestic views over the whole of False Bay and its surrounds. These stunning views are matched by winemaker Chris Keet's high expectations of quality and excellence.
Dellrust
Onder-Rustenburg, home to Dellrust wines, is situated in the south-eastern foothills of the Helderberg mountains. Farmed for over a hundred years by the Bredell family, the old cellar has been restored and modernised to produce quality red and white wines. Albert Bredell continues in the winemaking tradition of his family by becoming the fifth-generation winemaker in the Bredell clan. Only the best fruit available is vinified under the Dellrust label.
Eikendal Vineyards
Eikendal's vineyards flourish in an ideal mountain and maritime micro-climate for the production of quality wines. Situated in the foothills of the Helderberg range, the farm straddles both the Stellenbosch and Helderberg wine routes. The farm's striking barrel-vaulted cellar, completed in 1984, was among the first in the Cape to combine traditional and modern elements, creating a new South African style of winery architecture. New wine fermentation tanks were recently installed to extend the red wine range.
Grangehurst Winery
Jeremy Walker has established himself as a red wine specialist at his winery in a converted squash court in the Helderberg area. A new underground barrel maturation cellar is planned to accommodate his future ideas for expansion. Jeremy Walker's lovingly handcrafted boutique red wines have earned him one of the most recognisable spots on the winemaking scene. Tradition, patience and four prime vineyards are responsible for these great wines
Helderkruin
The original farm on which Helderkruin Winery is situated traces its heritage to the historical Groenrivier Farm. The modern cellar was built in November 1997 and an extensive replanting program is in progress.Established in November 1997, this state of the art cellar bodes well for future vintages harvested under the careful direction of Koos Bosman. Premium labels, as well as a more accessible and fun "Yellow Cellar" label are available, including a Cap Classique - Phyllis Hands.
JP Bredell Wines
Anton Bredell's wines are as big in structure and intensity as he is. Fruit and finesse are the basis of his wines. Added to the prestigious reds and award-winning ports, they have also recently released a wooded Chardonnay. Anton Bredell specialises in Port in the coastal area of Helderberg that is far removed from the Port capital of SA, Calitzdorp. Historically a major supplier of Port and red wine grapes to the KWV, Bredell started making his own wines - a vintage reserve and vintage Port, as well as the Helderzicht label - in 1995. The range has since been supplemented with red wines and a Jerepigo.
Ken Forrester Vineyards - Scholtzenhof Vineyards
96 Winery Road Restaurant and Ken Forrester wines are the property of restaurateur Ken Forrester. His wines are made in a nearby cellar in Devon Valley from grapes grown on Scholtzenhof farm.
Longridge Winery
Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg, Longridge is an international operation which exports different labels to various countries abroad. It also imports wines. Grapes are bought in from areas in Stellenbosch and Durbanville and from co-operative wineries. An extremely driven and determined team have ensured Longridge's rise as one of the top producers in the Helderberg. Wines crafted under winemaker Ben Radford have seen Longridge gain international success and awards. Three labels are available from the cellar, with Longridge being the premium label.
Morgenster
The belief shared by owner Guilio Bertrand and winemaker Marius Lategan is that grapes grown in the vineyards should be picked at full ripeness and be subject to minimum manipulation by the winemaker. The first new vineyards were planted in 1994. Today, approximately 40 ha are under mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and plots of Petit Verdot. These clones were specially selected and adopted for red wine blends - our forte.
Mount Rozier
This 105Ha farm is situated in the foothills of the Hottentots Holland Mountains above Sir Lowry's Pass Village. The production of wines commenced in 1997 under the name Mount Rozier. Annie Rozier, a local flower picker, was the inspiration behind the label.Mount Rozier is a boutique red wine cellar which borders on the historic Vergelegen Estate. The maritime climate is at its peak here - the cellar is only 4 km from the sea "as the crow flies". Some fantastic wines are available, including an old vine pinotage.
Onderkloof
Situated east of Stellenbosch, Onderkloof lies on the slopes of Schapenberg, 6 km from the Atlantic Ocean, with spectacular views of False Bay and Cape Point.The old stable and shed have been converted into a Wine Cellar featuring the latest wine technology and equipment. Traditional vinification and gentle handling give expression to the concentrated and individual wines of Onderkloof. Danie Truter, who is at the helm of vineyard management and winemaking has his goals set on producing optimum quality wines from this area.
Post House Cellar
The estate derives its name from the small Post Office which used to serve the local missionary community of Raithby and which is now the winery office and residence. Post House wines are hand-crafted in the true sense of the word. Mechanical means and handling are kept to a minimum, to ensure the natural development of the wine. This includes the use of natural yeasts for the fermentation process, a light fining with egg whites and no filtration. The aim is to produce full-bodied classic wines which have matured in the barrel for 18 - 21 months for red wines and 6 - 8 months for white wines.
Rust en Vrede
Established in 1694, this historic farm was purchased in 1977 by Jannie Engelbrecht. The original farm building, vines and cellar have been restored to their former splendour and the estate produces award-winning red wines.In 1984 a unique underground wine cellar was built. Designed by Mr Gawie Fagan, this cellar was the first of its kind for a privately-owned South African estate.
Somerbosch
"Die Fonteine", home to Somerbosch Wines, has been the home of the Roux family for more than half a century. Somerbosch is run as a family affair, with Wally Roux`s sons, Marius and Japie, in charge of winemaking, production and management. Situated as it is between two of the world's renowned wine regions, Somerbosch is accustomed to the best of both worlds. This is reflected in the winemaking techniques too - both modern and traditional methods are employed to attain the best results from vintage to vintage.
Stonewall
Owner De Waal Koch`s great great grandfather purchased this farm between Stellenbosch and Somerset West in 1873. For years the wines made here were sold in bulk and later new plantings of classic varieties were sold to Stellenbosch Farmers` Winery. Winemaker Mark Carmichael-Green joined Stonewall last year to produce wines under the farm`s own label.
Stonewall is named after the wall that circles the entire property. The estate boasts new plantings, as well as some more mature vineyards influenced by their proximity to the sea.
Vergelegen
This beautiful estate is complemented by the award-winning wines which they produce. Previously planted vineyards are now coming into their full maturity, which will herald even more awards for these sought-after wines. The historic farm was granted to Adriaan van der Stel on 1 February 1700 and today is characterised by a magical atmosphere with historic camphor trees, an octagonal garden and stately homestead. Amfarms purchased the farm in 1987 and started a major replanting program and construction of a modern wine cellar
Vergenoegd Estate
Vergenoegd dates back to the 17th century and has been in the Faure family for the last six generations. The estate produces red wines only (including a port) of distinguished and noble character. Vergenoegd Estate, with its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and long history of vinemaking, concentrates on red wine production. The farm was first granted in 1692 and in 1820 it was bought by Johannes Gysbert Faure. Since then six generations of Faures have farmed at Vergenoegd.
Webersburg
The Weber family acquired a portion of the Groenerivier farm situated on the slopes of the Helderberg in 1996. Approximately 40 ha is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz grapes after consultation with Johan Pienaar and Giorgio Dalla Cia of Meerlust. Both our 1997 and 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon achieved four-and-a-half star ratings in the John Platter Guide. The 1999 vintage is currently being released. We are in the process of building a maturation cellar with tasting area, which should be open to the public by October 2003.
Yonder Hill
A new winemaking philosophy has paid off handsomely. The attention to detail has earmarked this area as one of the finest merlot-producing areas to date.A former Zimbabwean (ex Rhodesia) rugby player started the wine cellar here and last year it was bought by Frikkie Naude, with Vriesenhof`s Jan Coetzee as consultant.
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