About Us

Achuelean Hand Axes

As the soils were being prepared to be replanted, the team picked up some strange looking rocks that turned out to be Acheulean hand-axes. Acheulean is a period within the Stone age where humans not only used sharp objects, but started crafting their own tools. This discovery of the hand-axes was made even more significant with a title deed relating to the property dating back to the 1800’s where it stated that the property was “…not good for crop, only cattle. Too many rocks.” It was the moment the team realized that the soil and terroir they were standing on with these rocks is the true history and heritage of the property.

Our Story

We nurture the vast, micro-climate soil pockets of Stellenzicht to steward and sustain what nature provides each year. Our wines truly are expressions of our terroir. The first owner of Stellenzicht in 1692 created a legacy of over 300 years of winemaking excellence. Since its revival in 2017, Stellenzicht has honoured its legacy by continuing to allow its ancient soil to produce its distinct terroir-driven wines which appeals to both the old-school wine lovers and those who enjoy the more New World style.

Sustainability

As custodians of this beautiful farm, we believe in protecting our natural resources through sustainable farming. These efforts help create an eco-system that protects our dragonfly population as well as our fauna and flora. This philosophy of sustainability drives our daily activities, as we consistently pursue balance.

Regenerative Farming

Stellenzicht is home to a happy family of cattle! Our mission is to continually take steps to honour our commitment to sustainability through regenerative farming. Here’s how keeping cattle on our farm naturally assists in its essential processes: they assist in weed control, which conventionally requires the use of chemicals or tractors to cut grass and weeds in unused blocks, we are able to assess the impact of the cow manure on the soil with regards to reintroducing essential nutrients and proper grazing management can enhance overall ecological function.

Renewal

In honouring our history, and existing soils, we spent a great deal of time determining our soil types in order to plant the right varieties on the ideal site. This gives the vines the best possible chance to root itself within the ideal terroir. In order to nurture this terroir and the biodiversity around our vineyards, we look to nature and its natural indicators, adjusting our sustainable farming and winemaking practices in order to best express our soils and terroir through our grapes and wines.

The Dragonfly

Nature has adapted around the farm throughout the years. This is most prevalently seen by the return of the dragonfly population on the farm. This highly adaptive creature symbolizes our future: we adapt when needed in pursuit of balance. Dragonflies truly inspire the Stellenzicht philosophy of balance. Just as the dragonfly's presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, the wines of Stellenzicht reflect the vitality and balance of our vineyards. By embracing the dragonfly's symbolism, Stellenzicht creates wines that not only reflect the beauty of nature but also captivate the senses. When the Stellenzicht farm was rehabilitated in 2017, native fynbos restored to the land and regenerative farming practices implemented, we noticed the dragonfly population flourish around us. Dragonflies are highly sensitive creatures and will only inhabit an ecosystem that is balanced. With our modus operandi being in constant pursuit of balance, the dragonfly naturally became the symbol of our continued legacy of exceptional wine created from the best that nature offers.

Stellenzicht Syrah

We made history with our exceptional results for our 1994 Stellenzicht Syrah with John Platter noting in his 1997 guide, ‘...what might become the priciest, most prized modern Cape wine, the Stellenzicht Syrah’. 25 years later and we’re excited to continue this legacy as we pursue excellence and balance in our range of wines including our estate grown Syrah grapes. Our pride and joy is the block of Syrah vineyards grown plant material taken from the original block of Syrah that produced our award-winning Syrah. The legend lives on.

Our Team

At Stellenzicht you will notice a dedication to excellence. The focus is on getting the very best out of nature, with minimal intervention, though no less attention. The cultivation of a fine SZ wine requires knowledge, skill, experience and patience.