The vineyards lie at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain, near the Blouklip River, in a region between Stellenbosch and Somerset West that has become famous over generations for its exceptional wines. The history of the farm itself dates back to the 1600s.
The new wine tasting room is open throughout the week and closed only on selected public holidays. It was re-invented to make full use of the estate’s rich heritage and the magnificent vineyard, while maintaining the surroundings.
“Those who’ve been here in the past know how small our tasting room was; we’ve always let the wine speak for itself and it has, very successfully,” says Stellenzicht winemaker Guy Webber. “But our wine is also about showing provenance - a sense of origin. The new tasting room was conceived to showcase that heritage.”
The design of the space was undertaken by architect Tony Totten and reflects the essence of Stellenzicht, whose wines have won it numerous awards. A ceiling-to-floor aerial photograph shows amongst others, the proximity of the farm to the ocean and the mountains; large interior windows provide a view into the wine cellar itself; the balcony has been extended into the gardens; and an artwork by assistant winemaker Nataleé Botha, who used wine as the painting medium, outlines the philosophical essence of the estate’s winemaking approach - the pursuit of perfect balance.
“Provenance is not just about place,” says Webber, “It’s also about history, our community and relationships, even in the simplest way. The new tasting room tables and benches, for example, are recycled from the old wooden stairway.
“There’s a Stinkwood my boys played in as children, who recently posed all grown up and sporting beards for a photograph with me under its branches. And that tree,” he says, showing another, “was donated by a long-time friend and Stellenzicht neighbour who has since passed away. There are many stories here, and it’s like that with the wines too.”
The opening of the tasting room coincides with the start of the farm’s popular Sundowner Picnic Concert season, which features live music on the last Friday of the month throughout the summer months, to the end of March.
Stellenzicht Vineyards is open to the public, Monday to Friday from 9H00 to 17H00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10H00 to 16H00. It is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Cellar tours are on offer by prior arrangement. Find them on Stellenrust Road, Stellenbosch, or call +27.218801103. For more information email info@stellenzicht.co.za or visit www.stellenzicht.co.za.
Stellenzicht is part of the Cape Legends, an extensive collection of superlative quality, award-winning wines from several boutique estates situated in and around the Cape Winelands.