Kanonkop – Scientifically handcrafted red wine, that reminds you of French traditions of winemaking excellence.
In the shadow of the Simonsberg, extraordinary red wine terroir (the combination of soil, climate and topography) and three successive internationally awarded winemakers ensure the wines from this family-owned cellar are consistently amongst the highest rated in South Africa.
A little about Kanonkop Wine Estate
Kanonkop has been Family-owned and run for 4 generations. The estate may not have the oldest pedigree in Stellenbosch but has certainly made a massive impact in this prestigious red wine region since releasing its first wine, labelled as Kanonkop in 1973.
Winemaking at Kanonkop has reached the perfect balance between art and science. Modern science in the new laboratory, assisted by the ancient uniform, decomposed granitic soil and the art of the winemakers in the cellar. Modern, yet personal viticulture (cultivation of grapevines), balance hand picking and electronic sorting, two hourly hand punching in original concrete tanks, particular barrel selection and constant control by the winemakers have made this estate legendary amongst South African wine producers.
Legendary winemakers at this farm started with Paul Sauer, Jan “Boland” Coetzee, then Beyers Truter, who handed over the keys to the cellar to yet another award-winning winemaker, Abrie Beeslaar.
Paul Sauer grew up on the farm Uitkyk, from which they allocated a portion of the farm to Paul as Kanonkop, in a sale of Uitkyk by his Mother Mary to Baron Hans von Carlowitz in 1929. Mary Sauer, being the daughter of Hendrik Cloete, a former owner of Groot Constantia – the oldest wine producing farm in South Africa – ensures they locked South African wine history into this family run wine farm.
This farm is renowned for its history and interesting characters, but even more importantly, its hospitality, family values and the lengths the people go to in order to make wine of exceptional quality for their patrons.
Kanonkop Wine Estate at a glance
Wines of note
- Paul Sauer – Red blend
- Pinotage – Black label Estate Range
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate Range
- Pinotage – Estate Range
Winemaker
Alet Vlok
Cellarmaster
Abrie Beeslaar since 2003
Viticulturist
Koos Du Toit & Ryno Maree
Owner
Johann & Paul Krige
Reasons to visit
- Wine tasting of worldwide award-winning wines, by knowledgeable staff
- World renowned Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends
- Consistent production of award-winning wines
- Family-friendly hospitality
- Art gallery
- Well-appointed tasting room and alfresco tasting
Best time to visit
This is an all-year destination, although early morning and late afternoon are the best for epic views, it is still enjoyable all-day
What to do at Kanonkop Wine Estate
Highlights on the estate
- Well appointed wine tasting room
- Wine tasting of world-renowned wines
- Cellar walk-through on lofty gangway
Things to do or see
- Wine tasting
- Cellat tour
For children
The estate is not ideal for families with children.
Outdoors
- Several outdoor activities are available in the area, such as hiking and cycling, as well as walking through the historic university town of Stellenbosch.
Side-tracks
Kanonkop Wine Estate offers a great cellar viewing experience
Events
No annual public events
Contact
website: Kanonkop Wine Estate
Contact: Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0) 21 861 7700
Social Media
Facebook: Kanonkop Wine Estate
Instagram: Kanonkop Wine Estate
Twitter: Kanonkop Wine Estate
Youtube: Kanonkop Wine Estate
Wine tasting
Opening hours:
09:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday
09:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturdays
10:00 am to 4:00 pm Public Holidays
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