Why Stellenbosch and the Simonsberg Matter

Stellenbosch has long been regarded as one of South Africa’s most important wine-growing regions, shaped by a rare combination of climate, history, soil, and mountain influence. Its Mediterranean conditions, supported by warm summers, winter rainfall, and cooling maritime breezes, allow grapes to ripen with balance, structure, and depth.

Within this celebrated region, the Simonsberg holds a place of particular significance. Rising between Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, the mountain creates a landscape of slopes, aspects, and elevations that give each vineyard site its own identity. Here, sunlight, airflow, and soil variation work together to shape wines with concentration, precision, and a clear sense of origin.

At Remhoogte, our vineyards are planted on the foothills of the Simonsberg, where this diversity is felt in every block. Higher vineyards benefit from cooling breezes and slower, more measured ripening, allowing fruit to develop depth and detail over time. Lower and more exposed parcels contribute structure, intensity, and richness, bringing another layer to the wines we craft.

The soils add further complexity. From shale to decomposed granite, each site asks something different of the vine, encouraging natural balance and expression. This variation across the estate allows Chris and the team to work with fruit that tells a more complete story of place, vintage, and intention.

For us, the importance of Stellenbosch and the Simonsberg is not only found in reputation. It is found in the way the land shapes every decision, every vintage, and every bottle. Remhoogte is rooted in this place, and our wines are a reflection of its slopes, soils, climate, and enduring ability to produce wines of character, clarity, and distinction, grounded in the land we are privileged to farm, and shaped by a mountain that continues to define us with every season, every block, every harvest, and every single wine released.