Kanonkop Wine Estate

Kanonkop Wine Estate Kanonkop Estate has been described as being the South African equivalent of a First Growth Estate For others, Kanonkop is not just a wine estate.
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To many, Kanonkop is considered to be the South African equivalent of a Premier Cru or First Growth. It is a place of natural beauty where hospitality, family values, tradition, history and interesting characters are as integral to our ability to create magnificent wines as the ancient decomposed granite soils, the cool air from the Atlantic Ocean and the old dryland vineyards. Drink responsibly.

1973 | The Barrel Is An Important VehicleMaking exceptional wine starts in the vineyard, influenced by climate, aspect a...
08/09/2026

1973 | The Barrel Is An Important Vehicle

Making exceptional wine starts in the vineyard, influenced by climate, aspect and soil. Our role in the cellar is to give that potential the right conditions to develop and mature.

Following the exceptional 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon, Jan Boland Coetzee had a firm conviction that if Kanonkop would bottle its first vintage under its own label, maturing these wines in new French oak barrels would be important from the start.

“Wood is just a vehicle, but an important one for allowing wine to reach its full potential. For Kanonkop, its use was non-negotiable from the start.” – Jan Boland Coetzee

Going against the norm at the time, Jan managed to convince Jannie Krige of buying new French oak barrels for the special vintage of 1973.

The first bottled and labelled Kanonkop wines were therefore matured using a combination of new French oak barrels and larger foudres, establishing an approach that would become part of Kanonkop’s winemaking tradition.

1968 | It Starts In The VineyardThe story of our winemaking philosophy began with a decision made in the vineyard.When J...
03/09/2026

1968 | It Starts In The Vineyard

The story of our winemaking philosophy began with a decision made in the vineyard.

When Jan Boland Coetzee joined the cellar in 1968, one of the first decisions of his tenure as winemaker was to remove the Shiraz vineyards and plant more Cabernet Sauvignon. Still young, Jan had already spent enough time among the vines and soils to recognise that certain varieties belong in certain soils.

The decision proved itself over with the 1973 vintage, when the first Cabernet Sauvignon to carry the Kanonkop name was opened in 2023 for our 50th anniversary. Despite its age, the wine showed remarkable vitality and poise.

“The most amazing thing, and this will have many of today’s wine experts coughing in their Bordeaux, is that that first 1973 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon was made from vines only four years old” – Jan Boland Coetzee

It was a powerful reminder that the foundations of a great wine are laid long before the grapes reach the cellar – In the vineyard, and in the choice of vine.

At Kanonkop, Cabernet Sauvignon is a cornerstone of the wines we produce. It was one of the first wines we bottled under...
25/08/2026

At Kanonkop, Cabernet Sauvignon is a cornerstone of the wines we produce. It was one of the first wines we bottled under the Kanonkop wine label in 1973, and has maintained its prominence in the wines we produce today.

Whether delivering an ageworthy Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon or bringing structure and tannin to the Paul Sauer blend, it always embodies that distinct Simonsberg-Stellenbosch character. A varietal suited to our soils, and shaped by our climate.

With most of the pruning in the vineyards done, we look forward to the story of the next vintage our Cabernet Sauvignons will tell.

Happy Woman’s Day!We celebrate the woman who have shaped Kanonkop and continue to contribute to our legacy. 🍷
09/08/2026

Happy Woman’s Day!

We celebrate the woman who have shaped Kanonkop and continue to contribute to our legacy. 🍷

Join us in celebration of Cabernet Month this August. Enjoy a Vertical Tasting of our Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon and ex...
08/08/2026

Join us in celebration of Cabernet Month this August.

Enjoy a Vertical Tasting of our Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon and experience the potential of bottle-aging and what each vintage had to say.

R200 per tasting, only at our Tasting Room.

Opening hours:
Mon - Fri, 9:00 to 17:00
Sat, 10:00 to 15:00
Sun, CLOSED
Public Holidays, 9:00 to 16:00

We are happy to share that Dirk van Zyl has been appointed as our new Head Winemaker."I believe Dirk will bring vision a...
03/08/2026

We are happy to share that Dirk van Zyl has been appointed as our new Head Winemaker.

"I believe Dirk will bring vision and leadership along with his proven skills as a top-notch winemaker," says Johann Krige.

Dirk will follow in the footsteps of the winemaking legends that came before him. "Kanonkop is woven into the fabric of South Africa’s status as a unique producer of excellence, and I feel truly blessed to be offered a chance to be part of the estate’s ethos, history and reputation for wine excellence.”

Welcome to the Kanonkop Family, Dirk! We look forward to the start of your tenure in October.

Last night, at the annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards for the Stellenbosch region, four of our Kanonkop team membe...
31/07/2026

Last night, at the annual Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards for the Stellenbosch region, four of our Kanonkop team members received recognition for their outstanding talent, dedication, and hard work.

Congratulations to:
Reuvan Muller – 2nd in the General Worker Category
Marvin Abrahams – 1st in the Irrigation Specialist Category
Marcus Lewis – 1st in the Junior Management Category
Renitha Booysen – 1st in the Administration Category

A special congratulations to Marcus Lewis, who was the overall winner, receiving the Farm Worker of the Year award for 2026 in the Stellenbosch Region.

Well done, team! Your excellence in the workplace inspires us all.

The final rest before the rush of spring. Our vines enjoy their last winter rest before the break of dormancy at the daw...
21/07/2026

The final rest before the rush of spring.

Our vines enjoy their last winter rest before the break of dormancy at the dawn of spring. The cool winter temperatures build the foundation for an even budbreak, that ultimately contributes to a good harvest.

The canes of our Pinotage bush vines have all been pruned, and our Cabernets will be next. A crucial step in preparing the vineyards for the coming spring.

As the early winter rains set in, our vineyards enter a period of rest.To protect the soil and prevent erosion, cover cr...
23/04/2026

As the early winter rains set in, our vineyards enter a period of rest.

To protect the soil and prevent erosion, cover crops are planted between the vine rows, a practice aimed at maintaining vineyard health through the colder months.

Kadette Viticulturist, Annelie Viljoen, explains:
“Cover crops help retain soil moisture and limit erosion, particularly on steep slopes. Together with post-harvest fertilisation, they prepare the vineyard for the next growing season in spring.”

This year, triticale (Korog) was planted across most vineyard blocks, with ryegrass used in wetter areas such as the Paul Sauer block.

These vineyard preparations are a key part of maintaining our old vines and ensuring vitality for years to come.

Address

R44
Stellenbosch
7600

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 15:00

Telephone

+27 21 884 4656

Website

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