
Saxenburg is located in the Polkadraai Hills ward of Stellenbosch, offering breathtaking views of Table Mountain and a unique position exposed to both False Bay and Table Bay.
The estate’s history dates back to 1693 when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to Joachim Sax, a free burgher. In 1705, ownership passed to Oloff and Albertus Bergh, and the name Saxenburg emerged from these early settlers.




In 1989, Swiss businessman Adrian Bührer and his wife, Birgit, acquired the estate. Despite its neglected state, they recognised its potential and embarked on a journey to restore and develop the farm.
The Saxenburg tasting room is open seven days a week, inviting guests to explore and enjoy a selection of the estate’s finest wines. Guests can taste and purchase a variety of Saxenburg wines, ranging from their elegant Private Collection to the Guinea Fowl range. In addition to wine, the tasting room also features a carefully curated selection of gifts.
To enhance the experience, guests can indulge in a delicious Cheese Platter, with a selection of artisanal cheeses, complemented by an assortment of crisp crackers, nuts, olives and preserves. For those who enjoy a taste of South African tradition, premium biltong can be added at an additional cost.




Wine tastings are available in two options:
- 4-glass tasting for a focused exploration or
- 6-glass tasting for a more extensive journey through Saxenburg’s diverse offerings.

Sauvignon Blanc Private Collection 2024
The vineyard site is truly special, with soils containing chunks of rose quartz that glisten under the sunlight. On the nose, this Sauvignon Blanc offers an intriguing perfumed quality, complemented by delicate elderflower which is a rare and distinctive note for the variety.
Grown in the cooler pockets of the Polkadraai area, the vines benefit from cooling influences brought by the winds from both False Bay and Table Bay, along with an elevation of 300 metres. These conditions contribute to a layered and expressive wine, with vibrant flavours of pear and tropical fruit.
To enhance its texture and complexity, the wine is aged in older barrels for approximately three to four months, resulting in a more refined and weighted palate.

Guinea Fowl Chenin Blanc 2024
The beautifully textured label, featuring an abstract painting of guinea fowl feathers, perfectly reflects the essence of this wine, which is like summer in a glass. From the first sip, vibrant tropical notes greet the palate, creating an inviting and refreshing experience.
To enhance its flavour and structure, the grapes undergo a cold soak with approximately 12 hours of skin contact, extracting remarkable fruit intensity and bright acidity. The result is a fresh citrus entry that leads to a rich, full mouthfeel, culminating in a delicate, honeyed finish. Definitely good value for money and is currently under R100 for a bottle!

Chardonnay Private Collection 2022
The winemaker introduced a touch of wild fermentation to this vintage, with 20% undergoing natural fermentation, while the remainder fermented with the ambient yeast present in the cellar. This careful approach has resulted in a beautifully expressive wine.
On the nose, delicate floral aromas lead into a vibrant palate filled with ripe peach and apricot flavours. The wine finishes with a luxurious creaminess and a subtle nuttiness, adding depth and elegance to every sip. Simply delightful on the palate and my favourite so far.

Pinotage Private Collection 2022
This is an elegantly delicate, light-bodied Pinotage with a beautifully layered aroma profile. Red and dark fruits take centre stage, with notes of blackcurrant and dark cherry, adding complexity. Whole-berry fermentation imparts a subtle, enticing carbonic note, while hints of mocha and dark chocolate round off the bouquet. On the palate, the wine offers a smooth entry, with well-balanced tannins and acidity contributing to a velvety, lingering mouthfeel.

Guinea Fowl Red 2022
A fantastic value-for-money blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The addition of Cabernet Franc and Malbec brings a subtle spiciness, complementing the rich fruit character of this dry, approachable red. On the nose, deep dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry take the lead, supported by hints of vanilla, cinnamon and dark chocolate. The palate is beautifully weighted and juicy, making it both satisfying and easy to enjoy.

Cabernet Sauvignon Private Collection 2021
On the nose, layers of ripe blackberries unfold, complemented by subtle hints of mocha and the delicate herbal fragrance of fynbos. The palate opens with a smooth, polished entry, revealing finely sculpted tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. A bright, refreshing acidity enhances the balance, leading to a lingering finish of dark cherries and a touch of spice.

Syrah Private Collection 2020
Remarkably vibrant for a five-year-old wine, this Syrah remains round, juicy and fresh while beginning to show subtle tertiary notes, including a hint of prune, adding depth to its character.
The nose is immediately alluring, with layers of ripe cherries and blackberries intertwined with a delicate spiciness. These aromas seamlessly carry through to the palate, which is beautifully weighted and structured. The 2020 vintage benefited from a moderate growing season, allowing for even ripening. This resulted in a wine with finesse and character.

From their acclaimed Private Collection to the approachable Guinea Fowl range, Saxenburg’s wines showcase the diversity and excellence of Stellenbosch terroir. Saxenburg offers something for every wine lover. With a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and innovation, the estate continues to set the standard for fine South African wines.

Categories: Saxenburg Wine Estate