Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views of the Elgin Valley, Spioenkop Wines offers visitors a truly memorable experience. The estate welcomes you with a beautifully designed tasting room, where you can enjoy a selection of exceptional wines that perfectly complement the surrounding natural beauty.
When aquiring the farm 2008, it had the name Spioenkop, for its ressemblance to the hill in Kwazulu Natal where the Battle of Spioenkop took place on 24 January 1900. Koen, being passionate about history and story telling, decided to keep the name and use the Spioenkop Hill as inspiration for the brand.
The wines in the Spioenkop range are named in honour of remarkable women whose legacies are closely tied to South Africa’s history. Sarah Raal, Queen Manthatisi and Johanna Brandt each left a lasting impact through their acts of bravery and leadership during times of conflict.
Sarah Raal came from a prosperous farming family, but when her brothers and father went off to fight and her mother and younger siblings were sent to British concentration camps, Sarah found herself alone. Refusing to stand by, she took up arms and joined the Boer forces in their struggle against the British Empire, embodying the spirit of determination that Spioenkop celebrates.
Johanna Brandt, of Dutch-Boer heritage, played a crucial role after the fall of Pretoria. Trained as a nurse, she organised networks of women to gather intelligence by spying on British officers. The vital information they collected greatly aided the Boer guerrilla forces during their continued resistance.
Queen Manthatisi, though not directly linked to the Anglo-Boer War, remains one of South Africa’s most remarkable women. A leader of the BaTlokwa people in the early 1800s, she rose to power against all odds, becoming a feared and respected military strategist. Her story of leadership and resilience perfectly embodies the spirit celebrated at Spioenkop.
Elgin is known for its cool-climate conditions and produce wines that are naturally tighter, fresher and more refined. Over time, as the wines age, their intensity, complexity and true sense of place begin to emerge, revealing the unique character of the terroir. At Spioenkop, no commercial yeasts are added. Instead, all fermentations occur spontaneously, driven by the natural yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar. This hands-off approach allows the wines to develop authentically, capturing the essence of the vineyard with purity and precision. Koen’s philosophy is simple yet profound. The terroir should speak through the wine, telling its story with every glass.
Spioenkop Wines offers a range of wines that reflect the unique cool-climate terroir of Elgin, made with a strong focus on purity, elegance, and authenticity.
1900 Wines – Classic Elgin Varietals
1900 Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This Sauvignon Blanc is anything but ordinary. A touch of skin contact adds layers of complexity and structure. Aromas of passion fruit, lemon zest and grapefruit bring a lively elegance. The palate is silky and generous, finishing with a bright, refreshing minerality.
1900 Queen Manthatisi 2020
This is a captivating blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Barrel fermentation, inspired by the Chardonnay component, adds depth and complexity to the wine. The Sauvignon Blanc contributes vibrant freshness and a bright, lively character, while the Chardonnay brings a layered texture and generous weight to the palate. The palate is expressive and flavourful, driven by a lively tangy acidity that gives energy and focus, leading to a lingering finish.
1900 Chardonnay 2022
This is a 100% barrel-fermented Chardonnay from Elgin, showcasing the region’s cool-climate elegance. The nose offers inviting aromas of stone fruit, melon and citrus. On the palate, a rounded mouthfeel unfolds with flavours of ripe fruit layered with hints of almond. The wine shows good depth, with well-integrated acidity that brings balance and energy. The finish is smooth, with a gentle savoury note that lingers.
1900 Chenin Blanc 2020
This is a barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc. The grapes grow higher up on the farm where the soil has a lot of ferricrete, giving the wine a strong mineral taste. The fresh acidity and concentrated fruit make this a crisp, elegant wine with great depth.
1900 Pinotage 2021
The grapes for this wine come from Stellenbosch, not from the farm itself. The aim was to show that Pinotage can be made in a more classical, elegant style. It offers flavours of dark fruits and violets, with a lean structure and bright acidity. Delicious wine that can be enjoyed every day.
Spioenkop Wines – Signature Range
Spioenkop Sarah Raal 2021
This Chenin Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks to keep the fruit flavours fresh. The grapes come from the lower part of the farm, where loose shale soil adds an iron-rich character. It is a lively, fresh wine with good acidity and a clean finish.
Spioenkop Riesling 2020
This is one of Spioenkop’s signature wines, made in an Alsace style that suits the cool-climate region perfectly. The vineyards are planted just like in France, for the best ripening. On the palate, it has bright fruit concentration balanced by a crisp, lively acidity.
Spioenkop Pinot Noir 2021
This Pinot Noir is made from a blend of three vineyard blocks, with vines around 14 years old. It is a beautifully subtle wine, showing classic flavours of plum and cherries. The structure is elegant, with soft acidity giving it a smooth, balanced finish.
Spioenkop Pinotage 2021
This wine is a true example of how Koen has mastered Pinotage, Elgin style. The grapes for this wine are from the farm, and the cool-climate conditions bring out a more complex and refined expression of the variety. It shows bright red fruit flavours, hints of subtle spice and a lovely, lingering finish. Absolutely beautiful wine!
At Spioenkop, every wine tells a story and the terroir that shapes each bottle. Come experience the stories, the energy and the soul of Elgin, captured beautifully in every taste.
Contact Details:
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Cell: +27 79 491 6613
Email: info@spioenkopwines.co.za
For accommodation enquiries:?stay@spioenkopwines.co.za
Categories: Spioenkop Wines
