Kanonkop

On the lower slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, the most famous wine-growing region in South Africa, lies the Kanonkop wine estate. 

Kanonkop Winery - Fire away for the best wine

It is known for producing some of the best South African red wines annually on its over 120 hectares of cultivated land. Almost exclusively red wines are produced. Only two percent are rosé wines. To ensure that all the wines succeed, winemakers Abrie Beseslaar and Alet Vlok use all their skills. Originally purchased by Jacobus Wilhelmus Sauer, Kanonkop is a family business now in its fourth generation. Paul and Johann Krige, the two sons of Jacobus Wilhemus, now run the Kanonkopwinery  and take care to preserve tradition as well as to keep the winery up to date. 

Where does the name Kanonkop come from?

In the 17th century, many sailing ships passed through the South African Cape when traveling from the Far East to Europe. As soon as a ship dropped anchor, a cannon fired a warning shot from a small hill called Kopje to inform the residents in Stellenbosch of the arrival of new goods. So this hill as well as the cannons give Kanonkop its name. 

Kanonkop - Awards for wine and winery

The Kanonkop winery has made its excellent name with Pinotage wines and Cabernet Sauvignon. The "Black Label Pinotage" and the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated "Paul Sauer" have become world famous wine classics. The wines of Kanonkop were allowed to collect many awards over the years. The winery itself has been honored with the Dave Hughes Trophy as best South African producer and the Wolff Blass Trophy, among others.

And these are the grape varieties grown at Kanonkop: 

• Pinotage
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot