With these words Jan van Riebeeck marked a significant moment in South African wine and positioned South Africa as the only country able to put a date on their wine history.
The vibrant culture surrounding South African wines is showcased by the numerous wine farms and estates across the region, as well as the diverse selection of wines available for both tourists and locals. Wine has a unique ability to unite cultures, and visiting a South African wine farm is an experience that comes highly recommended for anyone, whether a local resident or an international traveller.
Simonsvlei has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and is building ahead on an 80-year-old story as wine producer.
The winery is situated on the Old Paarl Rd, R101, Paarl, and is well known for the giant wine bottle towering about three storeys over the winery’s front lawn on the parallel Old Paarl Road/R101. Just like their landmark bottle marking their location, Simonsvlei is a well-recognized wine brand and a favourite for amongst many consumers.
Established in 1945 Simonsvlei became a well-known brand to the South African wine drinker and a popular friend at the dining room table. An employee at Simonsvlei, National Sales Manager Schalk van der Merwe, says Simonsvlei was, “the first wine” he ever drank. He continues to say that he is passionate about wine, and particularly Simonsvlei.
Simonsvlei is where people meet up for the spirit and the stories. The establishment can host 300 people and has a beautiful stage on water for live performances. Enough parking is provided, is easy to reach and will have you coming back for more.
Business Rescue and Rebranding
When the brand vanished from the market at the end of 2019, it sparked concerns regarding the sustainability of South Africa’s wine industry. For Simonsvlei, this issue stemmed from a combination of the Western Cape drought in 2018 and the subsequent record-low wine grape harvest during the early months of 2019.
In 2022 Simonsvlei returned after a business rescue, rebranded, revamped and ready to once again take its rightful place in the South African wine industry market.
Sales Manager Bennie van Rensburg, has been with Simonsvlei for the past six years as a consultant and says, “We are open and back on the market with a big line. The labels might look different, but the universal theme has been kept with the message – this is Simonsvlei.”
Van Rensburg further emphasizes that significant efforts are being made to redirect consumer attention back to the brand and to rebuild their trust.
The universal theme, the arches, is, like the giant wine bottle, a well-known characteristic for Simonsvlei, making sure the brand’s recognition is on point.
Female Winemaker of the Year
Winemaker and cellarmaster Helena Senekal was honored with the title of Lumo Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2024. Additionally, she received the Best Cap Classique trophy.
With 21 years of experience in the industry, her deep-seated love and passion for winemaking originated from her upbringing amidst vineyards. It was always clear to her that her career would revolve around the wine industry. Prior to becoming a qualified winemaker, Senekal earned her degree in viticulture.
On the making of new blends, she says that it is a play with processes, different fermentation techniques and new combinations of bars, blocks and barrels.
“Then you taste, blend and play,” says Senekal
An interesting fact is that Simonsvlei buys their grapes through a trusted third party. Senekal explains that Simonsvlei has been working with this third party for many years.
“As soon as the load comes over the scale you will know if there are any problems or if the grapes will be right for the purpose they came in for.”
If this occurs, the grapes will continue to undergo the usual processes; however, the juice will be kept separate, and fermentation will also happen independently. After completing these steps, they will evaluate the potential uses for the juice.
For Senekal, who admires the overall quality of South African wines and the influence of the economic burdens consumers face, the packaging is important saying that “there is no other way to showcase your quality to the consumer than making the packaging eye-catching and relying on award stickers.” She quickly adds, “or you invite them for a tasting.”
When it comes to the decision making of the labelling, the whole team pulls in to give their opinions when it comes to the labelling process.
Cork or screw? Senekal goes on to say that although it is a perception that the better, more expensive wines come with a cork, it is more of a costing matter. Simonsvlei’s lifestyle range does come with a screw top, being the easier drinking range, whereas, for instance, the Vineyard Selection red comes with a cork.
She does agree that the unscrewing of the cork, the sound of the cork being pulled from the bottle, does add to the experience of drinking wine.
Senekal says she still has that very first bottle of wine she made and still gets nervous with every season of wine making. “Every season has its own, unique challenges.” She explains that, “there are circumstances, like the weather and pests you can’t control.”
Export Market
Like many other wine farms in South Africa, exports constitute a significant portion of Simonsvlei’s business. The rise of private labels has become a national trend, and Simonsvlei also caters to this demand.
“Our aim is to produce the best wine at the best possible price,” says Schalk van der Merwe.
More than Wine
At Simonsvlei, it’s not just about selling wine; it’s about providing a family experience. The staff is committed to ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Simonsvlei is a household name and offers a safe, vibey, insta-worthy setting for the whole family. With a tasting room and platters on offer, brauhaus, restaurant for an elevated dining experience, playpark for kids, merchandise and wine sales, and live entertainment, Simonsvlei is a must visit wine farm.
Not a wine drinker? Simonsvlei has you covered with different options to cater for all needs, alcohol free pairings and kiddie pairings. For the brandy lover Simonsvlei has a special treat with their Numzaan brandy. Specially formulated for Simonsvlei and has been potstilled for five years.
Tasting Room Manager Lindie van Loggerenberg embodies a deep passion for the industry, coupled with a curious spirit. She delights in sharing and listening to stories, provides valuable tips for wine storage, and is expertly prepared to explain the unique characteristics and processes of the wines she serves.
“It does not matter how you drink your wine, with or without ice, as long as you enjoy it,” says Lindie.
She goes on to explain that the winemaker, Helena Senekal, made two wines, the 2024 Pinto Blanc (Grenache) and the 2023 Pinto Tinto (Cinsault) as dedication to the new owner, Mr Pinto, showcasing his Portuguese roots.
Winemaking Does Not Retire
Like a blast from the past, a former Simonsvlei winemaker Johan Rossouw, pays a visit to Simonsvlei. Rossouw was a winemaker on Simonsvlei in the 70’s. He has a lifetime of stories and experience in the industry and shares an interesting story about Chardonnay. At first the vine sticks for Chardonnay were smuggled into South Africa. Later it was imported, but the farmer soon realized this was not the Chardonnay grape when the vineyard showed its leaves.
Rossouw has since retired from active wine making but says the bug did not leave him and he still helps a local cellar during harvest time.
Conclusion
It’s fantastic to hear that Simonsvlei has returned, now bigger and better than ever! The prices at Simonsvlei are quite reasonable, the labels are both elegant and eye-catching, and the wines are delicious, deserving of the accolades they’ve received.
“Enough people liked it to put stickers on the bottle.” – Thea Jacobs, Adventure blogger
