There is something special about discovering a wine estate that feels both authentic and welcoming. Situated in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley, Stony Brook Vineyards offers exactly that. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and rolling vineyards, it is a Franschhoek-focused destination that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of great wine and good company.
From the moment we arrived, the relaxed atmosphere set the tone for the experience ahead. Stoney Brook carries an understated charm, allowing the beauty of its surroundings and the quality of its wines to take centre stage.
Stony Brook is a boutique winery with just 13 hectares under vine, allowing for a highly hands-on approach in both the vineyard and cellar. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in classic, traditional styles, while still embracing creativity through carefully considered blending. This balance between heritage and innovation results in wines that are both elegant and expressive, each showcasing the unique character of the estate.
The tasting room is both stylish and inviting, offering the perfect setting to enjoy Stony Brook’s wines throughout the year. On cool winter days, you can settle in beside the crackling fireplace for a warm and intimate tasting experience. Outside, spacious seating areas overlook the vineyards and surrounding mountains while the gentle sound of water flowing through the rocky stream in front of the tasting room adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to look out for the magnificent 200 year old Eucalyptus Gum tree, the inspiration behind the estate’s flagship wine, Ghost Gum.
A Brief History
The McNaught family fell in love with Franschhoek in the late 1980s, when Nigel and Joy McNaught decided to purchase a piece of land and begin their journey in to wine. The focus from the beginning was on making premium-quality wines that reflected the area and the styles of wine that excited them.
Several years later, they sold their first farm and sought a smaller property that would better aid them in creating the wines that they had dreamed of. In 1995 they purchased an old fruit farm. This property is now known as Stony Brook.
With a strong focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay, the McNaught family replanted the entire farm to vines and built a small cellar in which to produce the first wines under the Stony Brook label.?In 2011, the owners were joined by their son, Craig McNaught, who took over the reigns as winemaker.
As time has passed, the ideals of Stony Brook have remained firmly in place and the wines still reflect a strong sense of place and passion.
The latest revelation at Stony Brook has been the introduction of Tempranillo vines to the property, comprising the only component in one of their critically-acclaimed wines, Ovidius.
Wine Tasting
Wine tastings are available at R150 per person and include a selection of 5 wines, offering a wonderful introduction to the Stony Brook range.
To complement the experience, you can enjoy a thoughtfully curated cheese or charcuterie platter. The Cheese Platter for Two features a selection of 5 artisanal cheeses, served with apple, nuts, sun-dried tomato pesto and melba toast.
For those who prefer something more savoury, the Charcuterie Platter for Two includes 3 cured meats and home-made liver pâté, accompanied by baguette, nuts and sun-dried tomato pesto.
The home-made chicken liver pâté is also available on its own, served with fresh baguette and making for a delicious accompaniment to a glass of wine.
The Stony Brook Wines
While the range spans everything from Cap Classique and white wines to red wines and limited release bottles, each wine is made in small wuantities with a focus on quality and character. Every bottle reflects the unique personality of the vineyard and carries a story waiting to be shared.
Stony Brook has a deeply personal tradition of naming their premium, small-volume wines after family members and meaningful personal histories.
Lyle Cap Classique 2021
In early years as orchards made way for vineyards, the team experimented with 14 different grape varieties to discover which were best suited to the farm’s unique terroir. At a time when Franschhoek had no clear varietal identity, Chardonnay stood out, proving exceptionally well suited to the climate and laying the foundation for the estate’s Cap Classique production.
This beautiful Cap Classique is made from 100% Chardonnay grown from the farm. Spent a minimum of 40 months on the lees before disgorgement. The result is fresh and bright featuring bright lemon and lime, soft brioche flavours accompanied by a layered, complex minerality and vibrant acidity.
The “J” 2025
The “J” is a wine with a deeply personal story. It is named in honour of Nigel McNaught’s aunt, Jackie, affectionately known as “J”, who played a significant role in inspiring the family’s wine journey.
Many years ago, Jackie owned a farm in Paarl and introduced Nigel to a relatively unknown grape variety that had recently been planted by Charles Back at Fairview, Viognier. Charles Back was the first person to plant Viognier in South Africa in 1997. Intrigued by its expressive aromatics and vibrant flavours, Jackie was immediately captivated by the wine and encouraged Nigel to explore the variety. Inspired by her enthusiasm, he planted a block of Viognier behind the manor house at Stony Brook.
After Jackie passed away, the family decided to create a wine in her memory, recognising the profound influence she had on their lives. The original intention was to produce a 100% Viognier, but the first wines proved incredibly powerful and intensely aromatic. Seeking a more balanced and approachable style, they began blending Viognier with other white varieties grown on the estate.
For more than 2 decades, “J” has remained a Viognier-led blend, complemented by whichever white variety suits the vintage. Since Stony Brook committed to producing wines exclusively from Franschhoek-grown fruit, the options are limited to the three white grape varieties planted on the estate: Viognier, Semillon and Chardonnay.
The 2025 vintage is a blend of 70% Viognier and 30% Semillon. The Viognier contributes to fragrant floral aromas, ripe peach and stone fruit character, while the Semillon brings restraint, freshness and balance. The palate is layered with stone fruit flavours, vibrant minerality and a long, elegant finish.
Part of the wine is fermented in amphora, while the remainder is aged in older French oak barrels. This combination adds texture, creaminess and complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
Winemaker, Craig McNaught’s philosophy for white wines centres on freshness, brightness and balance. Grapes are harvested earlier than is often the norm, preserving natural acidity and resulting in wines with lower alcohol levels, vibrant energy and remarkable drinkability. The red on the other hand are far more traditional in their approach.
Ghost Gum White 2025
Chardonnay has long stood out as a premier white grape variety on Stony Brook, making it the natural choice for the estate’s flagship white wine, Ghost Gun White. Together with Ghost Gum Red, it represents the pinnacle of the estate’s winemaking philosophy and expression of place.
The wine takes its name from the magnificent Eucalyptus tree overlooking the tasting room, believed to be close to 200 years old. This iconic landmark has become synonymous with the estate and inspired the name of its flagship range.
While previous vintages were entirely barrel fermented, the 2025 vintage reflects a more restrained approach to oak. This wine was matured for 12 months in French oak with about 50% new barrels used, allowing the fruit to take centre stage while still benefitting from added complexity and texture.
On the nose, vibrant citrus zest and ripe peach aromas are complemented by subtle notes of vanilla spice and a gentle creamy character. The palate is bright and expressive, revealing layers of lemon, pear and stone fruit, supporter by fresh, well-balanced acidity. The oak contributes structure, depth and elegance, enhancing the wine without overshadowing its purity and varietal character. The result is a Chardonnay with impressive richness and texture, yet one that retains fresh and balance.
SMV 2020
While Stony Brook is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blend, the estate is also home to several exceptional Shiraz blocks planted in 1998. The SMV 2020 showcases these mature vineyards in a Rhône-inspired blend of 62% Shiraz, 36% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier.
The wine spent 2 years maturing in seasoned oak barrels, allowing the fruit to shine while developing soft, rounded tannins and a seamless texture. Expressive and approachable, it reveals vibrant red berry fruit alongside subtle liquorice notes and hints of spice. While not intended as a heavily structured or complex wine, it offers charm, balance and plenty of character, making it intriguing and an enjoyable expression of the estate’s Shiraz vineyards.
Syrah Reserve 2022
The Syrah Reserve was introduced several years after the original Shiraz plantings had matured, allowing the team to identify the very best vineyard blocks capable of producing a more concentrated and complex wine. With older vines delivering greater flavour intensity and depth, the Syrah Reserve represents a more serious and layered expression of the variety.
Produced from selected parcels of top-quality fruit, the 2022 vintage offers impressive richness, texture and structure. Aromas of violets, black pepper and fragrant herbs lead into a palate filled with dark berry fruit, savoury complexity and beautifully integrated tannins. Powerful yet refined, this is a wine of depth and elegance that showcases the remarkable potential of Syrah in the Franschhoek Valley.
Ovidius 2021
The story of Ovidius begins more than 25 years ago when the McNaught family travelled through Spain and fell in love with Tempranillo. At the time, very few South African producers were experimenting with the variety, but they believed it had the potential to thrive in the Franschhoek climate.
After returning home, they attempted to source Tempranillo vines but quickly discovered how scarce they were. It was only in 2008 that they were finally able to secure plant material, making Stony Brook one of a handful of pioneering wineries, alongside producers such as Fairview, to plant the variety in South Africa.
Given the uncertainty surrounding this bold venture, the wine was named Ovidius after the Roman poet Ovid, who lived around 40 BC. A quote from one of his poems appears on the label: “Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.” For the McNaught family, the message reflects a philosophy that has guided many of their decisions: take a chance and life may reward you.
After nurturing the vines for five years, the first crop was harvested in 2013. Following two years of barrel maturation, the family tasted their first Tempranillo and knew they had made the right decision. As a variety unlike anything else in the Stony Brook portfolio, they gave Ovidius its own distinctive dark label, allowing it to stand apart from the rest of the range.
The 2021 vintage is rich and expressive, revealing layers of smoky oak, dark fruit, spice and savoury leathery notes. Bright acidity balances the wine’s generous texture, while firm tannins provide structure and longevity. The wine spent two years in barrel, with approximately 50 to 60% new oak, resulting in a complex and memorable expression of Tempranillo.
Camissa 2021 & The Max 2021
Camissa and The Max are both Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blends. Every vintage begins with the intention of producing The Max. Following two years of maturation in oak barrels, the final selection process determines which barrels possess the depth, structure and concentration required for The Max wine. Those that narrowly miss the final cut, while still displaying exceptional quality, become Camissa.
The Camissa 2021 is a blend of approximately 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot. With a lower proportion of new oak, it presents a more approachable and accessible style while maintaining elegance and depth.
The Max 2021, by contrast, is a more powerful and structured wine, consisting of roughly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Petit Verdot. Matured in 50% new oak for two years, it offers greater concentration, complexity and ageing potential.
The name Camissa carries deep historical significance. It originates from “?Khamis Sa”, the name used by the indigenous people living near present-day Cape Town to describe the freshwater river system flowing from the springs of Table Mountain to Table Bay. Often interpreted as either “sweet water for all” or “place of sweet water”, the name resonates strongly with Stony Brook, which is fortunate to have its own natural spring water source on the estate.
The Max, meanwhile, is named after Max, the McNaught family’s beloved Jack Russell, whose strong personality and loyal character inspired the estate’s red blend.
Cabernet Franc 2020
The Cabernet Franc 2020 showcases many of the classic characteristics associated with the variety. Aromas of capsicum and fresh herbs are complemented by vibrant red fruit notes of cherry, raspberry and strawberry.
On the palate, the wine is bright and energetic, with layers of savoury complexity and earthy undertones adding depth and interest. Matured in second-fill oak barrels for 21 months, the wine balances freshness with concentration. Fine tannins carry the wine through to a long, elegant and dry finish, highlighting both the structure and refinement of this distinctive variety.
Ghost Gum Red 2022
Ghost Gum Red represents the pinnacle of Stony Brook’s Cabernet Sauvignon programme and serves as the estate’s flagship red wine.
Produced from the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on the property, every stage of the winemaking process is approached with meticulous attention to detail. Only the best fruit is selected, and the wine is matured in the finest barrels available, spending just over two years in oak with approximately 80% new oak.
Powerful yet refined, Ghost Gum Red is built for longevity. Its concentration, structure and oak integration make it a wine intended not only for immediate enjoyment but also for long-term cellaring. As the years pass, it continues to evolve, rewarding patience with increasing complexity and elegance, making it a true collector’s wine.
A visit to Stony Brook is about far more than wine. It is an opportunity to experience one of Franschhoek’s hidden gems, where beautiful surroundings, fascinating stories and genuine hospitality come together. From discovering the story behind each wine to enjoying a relaxed tasting overlooking the vineyards and mountains, every moment feels personal and authentic.
For wine lovers exploring the Franschhoek Wine Valley, Stony Brook offers a memorable experience that combines boutique winemaking, breathtaking scenery and a true sense of place. It is the kind of destination that reminds you that wine tourism is not just about what is in the glass, but also the people, passion and stories behind it.
Have you visited Stony Brook Vineyards? Let us know which wine was your favourite.
Contact Details:
Call: +27(0)21 876 2182
Email: info@stonybrook.co.za to book
Mondays – Thursdays: 10h00 – 16h30
Fridays: 10h00 – 16h00
Saturdays: 10h00 – 15h00
Sundays: CLOSED
Categories: Stony Brook Vineyards
