Neethlingshof

This estate is a well-kept secret in Stellenbosch. As you drive down the pine lined lane, you get a hint of what to expect at the end of it, grandeur and Cape Dutch heritage!. Once you get to the end of the lane, the charm of the buildings and grounds are breath-taking. 

This farms history dates back to 1788 when the farm (then called De Wolvendans) was acquired by Charles Marais and his then 18 year old wife, Maria. They had 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. As a couple, they immediately started expanding the vineyards and built a cellar. In 1813, Charles Marais passed away. This made Maria Marais one the the first female wine makers of the colony. Over time, Maria almost doubled the size of the farm and ran it with the help of her then teenage children. Her daughter married a Neethling in 1828 to whom she sold the farm. The farms name was therefore changed to Neethlingshof. Maria was involved in daily activities until her death in 1839 at the age of 68.

The heritage of that time is reflected across the estate. There are beautiful Cape Dutch Buildings, the original wine cellar built by the Marais's as well as an ode to her children on the front of the original homestead (six ornate flowers adorning the masonry).

The wine is also reflective of the farms history. There are two ranges; the Short Story Collection and the Estate Collection. 

The Short Story Collection encompasses four wines, the first of which is called The Six Flowers. It is a white blend which was aged in French Oak barrels for eight months (Sauvignon blanc 30%, Chenin blanc 25%, Chardonnay 22% Weisser Riesling 8%, Gewurztraminer 8% and Viognier 7%) with floral and citrus aromas, but with spicy undertones and unexpected depth for the age of the wine. The Caracal, a red blend (Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 25% and Petit Verdot 10%) was aged in French Oak for 20 months. This wine is full-bodies but also full of flavour and is a beautiful deep ruby colour. You can pick up hints of strawberries, vanilla and has a sweet caramel aftertaste. The Owl Post Pinotage is a good example of our countries flagship and endemic variety, Pintoage (a hybrid of Hermitage and Pinot Noir). A well-rounded wine with hints of vanilla and the oak (Hungarian and French) in which it was aged. The last wine in the Short Story Collection is the Maria Noble Late Harvest, named after the farms female wine-making pioneer, is a summery golden yellow colour and is a welcome relief after the previous dry, full-bodied wine. This wine reminds me of Christmas because of its light, fruity but spicy notes, reminiscent of a fruit cake.

Neethlingshof not only produces amazing wine, grounds and preserves our countries heritage, the success of the farm is due to the perseverance of a woman who made something from nothing even though the world at the time was against her.