Stark-Condé

When Hans and Midori Schröder bought the farm "Oude Nektar" in 1989 for the later to be founded winery Stark-Condé, the South African history books were just being revised, because the end of apartheid was imminent. 

The Stark-Condé winery has many roots

Raised in Stellenbosch, Hans Schröder left South Africa in the 1960s to attend university in Japan. It was there that he met Midori. The couple settled in Tokyo for 25 years, where they raised three daughters. 

Stark-Condé - the fulfillment of a dream

Meanwhile, South Africa continued to change and Hans fulfilled his dream of returning to Stellenbosch. He bought the 240-hectare farm in Jonkershoek and devoted the next ten years to growing quality wine grapes. Eventually, his daughter Marie and her husband José joined him and together they founded Stark-Condé Wines in 1998.

José's wine journey once began with just three barrels of Cabernet and rudimentary equipment, but today he works with renowned winemaker Rudger van Wyk and even manages the winery. His focus remains on handcrafted premium wines.

Where does the name Stark-Condé come from?

Stark-Condé is a marriage of two names. "Stark" is the last name of Hans' mother, a German who originally settled in Stellenbosch and whose creative spirit remains an inspiration today.  "Conde" is a reference to José's father, a Cuban émigré in the U.S., whose hard work and self-reliance was and is a lesson for future generations. 

About the viticulture at Stark-Condé

Due to the optimal geographic and climatic conditions of the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch, Stark-Condé specializes in the cultivation and vinification of red Bordeaux grape varieties, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The estate covers about 240 hectares, with "only" 40 hectares in production, the majority of which is mixed vegetation. The first vintage of Stark-Condé Cabernet Sauvignon in 1998 was crowned with phenomenal success right from the start. Wine Spectator awarded 92 points and John Platter spoke of a 'shooting star', giving this Cabernet the highest award in the form of 5 stars.

And these are the grape varieties of Stark-Condé:

• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah 
• Pinot Noir