Simonsig

Simonsig Wine Estate from Stellenbosch

Located 50 km east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is now considered the capital of wine production in South Africa. The slopes of the Helderberg and Simonsberg are the desired locations for viticulture. With their granite and sandstone weathering soils, they provide the perfect foundation for wine production. Warm summers and cold winters, along with the “Cape Doctor” wind, also have a very favorable effect on the ripening process of the grapes.

Grape Varieties in South Africa

Important red grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and the indigenous grape variety Pinotage. Additional varieties include:

• Cinsault
• Ruby Cabernet
• Cabernet Franc
• Pinot Noir
• Malbec

However, the most important grape variety in South Africa is white, accounting for nearly 20% of the total vineyard area. Chenin Blanc is also known as Steen in South Africa. Other important white varieties include:

• Sultana (a table grape that is also used in winemaking)
• Colombard
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Sémillon
• Cape Riesling
• Viognier

French Winemaking Tradition at the Cape

The Simonsig Wine Estate is closely linked to the history of viticulture in South Africa. The roots of this winery date back to 1688, when Jacques Malan, a South French Huguenot, arrived at the Cape and co-founded South African wine production. In the 1950s, Frans Malan established the Simonsig winery ("Simons View") at the foot of the Simonsberg.

Frans Malan was the first winemaker in South Africa to plant Chardonnay and produced the country's first "Champagne" (Kaapse Vonkel) in 1971 using the méthode Champenoise, and he is among the pioneers of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. He also began blending Pinotage with international grape varieties relatively early.

Today, the 210 ha Simonsig estate is managed by his three sons, making it one of the most renowned and awarded wineries at the Cape. In the past 10 years, no one has won more medals at the most important national tasting competition Veritas than Simonsig.

Since a few years, Debbie Thompson, an oenologist from Namibia, has made a significant contribution to this success. Thanks to the knowledge and inspiration of her mentor Johann Malan, she won the title “Woman Winemaker of the Year” in 2005.