South Africa

Stellenbosch

South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.

Mediterranean with warm, sunny days and cool Atlantic breezes; season is long and dry.

Stellenbosch, a beautiful valley of oak-lined roads, mountains and cellar doors near Cape Town, is the heart of South African fine wine. It's a region where ancient Cape history meets modern winemaking.

It is best known for Bordeaux-style red blends built on Cabernet Sauvignon, and the unique local grape Pinotage (Pinot Noir crossed with Hermitage).

For the buyer, Stellenbosch offers a compelling combination of structure, generosity and a rich sense of place - superb with grilled food and cheese.

Terroir & Soil

A diversity of oak forests and granite slopes and valley floors - each with its own character.

What to Expect from the Wines

  • · Stellenbosch is South Africa's most famous wine region - the home of the country's Bordeaux-style blends.
  • · Its Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends are concentrated, structured and age-worthy.
  • · Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc from the region are world-class, and Pinotage (South Africa's signature grape) is always a talking point.

Remarkable Bottles from Stellenbosch

All wines →
red

Kanonkop Kadette

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Kanonkop Kadette is an red wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Pinotage. Stellenbosch's most famous Pinotage — smoky, structured and proudly South African.

$25–$40 est. retail

red

Meerlust Rubicon

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Meerlust Rubicon is an red wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. The original Cape Bordeaux blend (1980), still the region's benchmark of Stellenbosch elegance.

$40–$60 est. retail

red

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is an red wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. a house-style Stellenbosch cabernet sauvignon that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Stellenbosch Pinot Noir

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Stellenbosch Pinot Noir is an red wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Pinot Noir. a house-style Stellenbosch pinot noir that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Stellenbosch Shiraz

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Stellenbosch Shiraz is an red wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Shiraz. a house-style Stellenbosch shiraz that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

white

Stellenbosch Chardonnay

Stellenbosch · 2024 (representative vintage)

Stellenbosch Chardonnay is an white wine from South Africa, in the Stellenbosch region (South Africa's Western Cape, in a valley around the historic university town of Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Stellenbosch chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Food Pairing

  • · Bordeaux-style reds pair with grilled game, beef and aged cheese.
  • · Pinotage is a wonderful match for barbecue and braai (South African barbecue).
  • · Chenin Blanc suits creamy seafood and roast chicken.

Buying from Stellenbosch

  • › Look for the region's iconic Bordeaux blends, like Kanonkop, Meerlust and Rust en Vrede.
  • › Pinotage - a local hero - is earthy, smoky and distinctive; approachable versions show great value.
  • › Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay show the region's white side beautifully.