Newsletter

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.

Achuelean Hand Axes

Acheulean hand axes are an integral part of the Stellenzicht story. When the farm was revived by its new owner in 2017, Stellenzicht looked at what made its story unique but still part of its rich story and history. When sharp, stone objects were found scattered around the farm with no real explanation, we took a deep dive. When we took a look at the original title deed for the Stellenzicht farm, it was noted that it was “Not good for crops, only cattle. Too many rocks”, we realised that our unique soil and terroir is what makes our wines special, that the soil we have is actually perfect for our vines and the sharp rocky objects found on the farm are prehistoric tools made in the stone age by early humans. Thus, the Acheulean Range was born. Our flagship range, paying homage to our ancient heritage and the footprints that early humans left on our farm.

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. As part of our philosophy to make wine using sustainable farming practices, we are going green with our energy. Here are some stats from our new solar farm: 668 panels in use, 300kW production capacity, over 600Mwh annual power production estimated.

The Eco Wine Pod

Sustainability, treading lightly and the pursuit of balance is the key to the Stellenzicht wine philosophy: farming regeneratively, working with the terroir, and welcoming the dragonflies back onto their piece of mountainside paradise outside Stellenbosch. The eco-friendly Wine Pod sits equally lightly on the land. Without needing a concrete slab, it is perched on crow’s feet, meaning it can easily be moved, and fits seamlessly into the natural landscape. 80% of the Wine Pod’s materials are recyclable, and naturally create insulation in the colder months, meaning less energy used to create heat!

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. With a focus on regeneration at the heart of our estate’s revival, vineyards have been replanted, alien vegetation removed, and indigenous flora gradually re-established. We are proud of continuous hard work and dedication to bringing fynbos back down from the Helderberg mountain onto the Stellenzicht farm where many species now flourish, aiding the restoration and balance of our eco systems. Nourishing the reemergence of our native flora over the past few years has allowed our vineyards to also reap the benefits of biological diversity, creating balanced, terroir-driven wine.

The Dragonfly

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.