GlenWood is a very special place. Located in the little-known valley of Robertsvlei, a few kilometres from Franschhoek, close to Cape Town, the farm is surrounded by aspects of outstanding natural beauty.
Using only the best materials and sustainable viticultural practices, we have developed the farm over the past nineteen years, winning numerous awards for our vineyards and our hand-crafted wines.
Our credo, "simple, natural, quality", pervades our thinking across all parts of the business; simple, be it architecture, label design or the way we approach decisions; natural, be it the farming practices we use, the wine making process itself, or the replanting of indigenous fynbos throughout the farm; quality, be it of the grapes we produce, the wines we vinify, or the human relationships we foster on and off the farm.
Varieties:
The Raats family are specialists in the crafting of exceptional wines from the Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc varietals.
It is our mission to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these wines as international benchmarks.
Our family lives and dreams Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc and passionately produce wines we believe are truly distinct from vineyards considered old in the South African context in the Stellenbosch area east of Cape Town.
We have earned ourselves a reputation internationally as a New World leader in the production of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, including being named one of the 20 Best New Wineries by esteemed New York wine writer, Richard Nalley, in the American Food & Wine magazine of October 2004. Our 2002 Raats Chenin Blanc broke new ground for South African wine and Chenin Blanc respectively when it was awarded an unprecedented rating of 91 in Wine Spectator, also in 2004. UK wine writer Tim Atkin has publicly declared his preference of the Raats Chenin Blanc over classic Vouvray and his countryman and fellow wine writer Matthew Jukes has been quoted comparing our Raats Cabernet Franc 2001 with the French epitome of this noble varietal, Cheval Blanc.
Raats Family Wines recently acquired a home (for the family and the wines!) in the Polkadraai Hills south of Stellenbosch.
Varieties:
Nico van der Merwe has already established himself as one of South Africa's best winemakers.
This outspoken winemaker believes that only quality wine will survive in a wine industry contending with difficult conditions like 'global gluts' and a strong rand.
The result - a range of top quality wines, produced under his own label.
His mission is to reduce elevated alcohol level in South African Wines, quite how to do this (he admits) he is not yet sure, but one thing we can bank on is on him figuring out a way….
Varieties:
Bellpost cellar is situated between Vredendal and Lutzville on the West Coast. 2005 is the maiden vintage of the cellar. The vinyards, cellar and wine business are run by the Thiart-family. Father Lollies and brother Nico are responsible for the vineyards, brother Koos for the winemaking and rugby playing brother Danie started doing the marketing, when he was with the Blue Bulls.
The vineyards are planted on soils ranging from loam in the river bed to red Karoo on the outskirts. The different cultivars are planted on the sites best suited according to slope and soil types. All the vineyards are trellised to accommodate the canopies during the growing season.
Harvest time is from February till April. Grapes are harvested by hand in lug boxes and transported in it to the cellar.
The white grapes are whole bunch pressed and ferment in a stainless steel tank. The fermentation temperature is kept between 15 and 17°C. After fermentation the white wine is protein- and coldstabilized prior to botteling.
The red grapes are de-stalked into solid plastic bins that suits as open fermenters. During fermentation the cap is punched down every 3 hours till dry fermented. Extended skin contact is given before pressing. The wine mature for 12 months in 225 litre French- and Hungarian oak.
The range of wines consists of Chardonnay, Merlot, Ruby Cabernet and Shiraz.
Varieties:
The grapes for U S A N A have been specially hand selected from our vineyards; which are situated on three farms in three distinctive and very favourable viticultural areas in Stellenbosch, and are owned and run by the eighth generation of the Joubert family and together with experience and expertise ensures the superb quality of our wines. The grapes for Usana Sauvignon Blanc have been harvested from a specially selected block that lies on the south- facing slopes of Stellenbosch Kloof. Terroir is excellent, deep granite soil. Long summer days and cool evening breezes ensure perfect Sauvignon Blanc growing conditions. All grapes are harvested by hand in individual bins in optimal conditions to ensure true quality from beginning to end.
The image of U S A N A is one of elegance and graciousness, ensuring the wine buyer a special experience and at the same time allowing the opportunity to make a contribution to a very valuable and deserving cause in an understated manner. A child living with Aids represents a butterfly’s life precious yet brief. A percentage of the profits will be donated to one of the largest Aids support organisations in Cape Town – Beautiful Gate.
Varieties:
With a proud history dating back to the seventeenth century, this farm has been diligently restored to recapture it's 300 year old history.
Nestled on the South Eastern slopes of Paarl mountain, the vineyard enjoys a superior terroir, which contributes towards captivating the delicacy and complexity of both red and white grape cultivars alike.
Most categories of wine are available to satisfy the stringent quality requirements of our international clientele.
Once certified by the ultra strict Cape Beth Din all of the wines and juices are Kosher and Kosher for Passover.
Whilst religiously adhering to the strict parameters of the Cape Beth Din, an ultra modern and technologically advanced wine cellar is utilised to capture the essence of top quality South African wine.
Only the best qualities are released for enjoyment by discerning wine lovers all over the world.
Varieties:
The historic Weltevrede Farm is home to Stanford Hills Estate, a mere stone’s throw from the quaint village of Stanford. Rejuvenate your spirit in this tranquil retreat, surrounded by fields of fynbos, vineyards and olive groves. Let the star-filled heavens dazzle your city senses, and be intoxicated by the fresh farm air.
The vineyards, which produce award-winning wines, overlook the restored original labourers cottages, which offer cosy self-catering accommodation. A glass of wine by the fireside during winter, and gentle breezes in summer will ensure a relaxing and memorable stay.
Whether planning a romantic getaway or a fun filled family weekend, Stanford Hills has it all.
Varieties:
Amani Vineyards is located on the southern slope of Kanonkop, the tallest of the hills to the west of Stellenbosch.
Our vineyards are graced by the ocean breezes of False Bay to the South, the Atlantic to the West and is one of the coolest regions in the Stellenbosch area.
Breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the Cape Point, False Bay and the mountains to the east and north provide a panorama that is awe inspiring. Our wines have, since inception in 1997, annually won very prestigious awards.
We are a small boutique winery which allows us to be personal and friendly. The wines are released when Carmen, our winemaker, considers them ready and not before.
We are very proud of our current offerings but promise: “Our best is yet to come!”
Varieties:
Let Great Wines send a Personal Wine Consultant to your boardroom to host your companies Wine Club tasting or next Team Building function, with a wine tasting.
