Simonsig Winery from Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, located 50 km east of Cape Town, is today considered the capital of viticulture in South Africa. The slopes of the Helderberg and the Simonsberg are the most sought-after sites for growing grapes. With its granite and sandstone weathered soils, they provide the perfect foundation for wine production. Warm summers and cold winters as well as the "Cape Doctor" wind also have a very favorable effect on the ripening process of the grapes.

Grape varieties in South Africa

Important red grape varieties are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and the autochthonous grape variety Pinotage. In addition there are:

• Cinsault
• Ruby Cabernet
• Cabernet Franc
• Pinot Noir
• Malbec

The most important grape variety in South Africa, however, is white and accounts for just under 20% of the total vineyard area. Chenin Blanc is also called Steen in South Africa. Other important white varieties are:

• Sultana (a table grape that is also used in winemaking)
• Colombard
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Sémillon
• Cape Riesling
• Viognier

French winemaking tradition in the Cape

Simonsig Wine Estate is strongly linked to the history of winemaking in South Africa. The roots of this wine estate go back to 1688, when Jacques Malan, a Huguenot from the south of France, arrived in the Cape and helped to found South African viticulture. Finally, in the 1950s, Frans Malan established his Simonsig ("Simons View") vineyard at the foot of Simonsberg. 

Frans Malan was the first winemaker in South Africa to plant Chardonnay and in 1971 produced the country's first "Champagne" (Kaapse Vonkel) using the Champenoise method and is one of the founders of the Stellenbosch Wineroute. Quite early, he also began new blends of Pinotage and international grape varieties.

In the meantime, the 210 ha Simonsig winery is managed by his three sons and is hereby one of the best known and most awarded wineries in the Cape. Thus, in the last 10 years, no one has received more medals at the most important national tasting competition Veritas than Simonsig.

A decisive contribution to this has been made for several years Debbie Thompson, oenologist from Namibia. Thanks to the knowledge and inspiration of her mentor Johann Malan, she was able to win the title of "Woman Winemaker of the year" in 2005.