Items0
Total£0
Edit
Checkout
Menu
- France
- Italy
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Chile
- Germany
- Hungary
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- USA
Steenberg
“At Steenberg, the guiding philosophy is one of minimal human intervention, based on the firm belief that wines are grown in the vineyard, then nurtured in the cellar.”
Travel Blog - Steenberg Mention
Steenberg Article on Sauvignon - February 2011
'Spring in the Cap Vineyards' video
History
Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa’s premier wine growing region. The land was originally granted to a young widow, Catharina Ras, in 1682, and wines were first produced here in 1695. First known as Swaaneweide – the feeding place of swans – the farm was only later renamed as Steenberg, ‘Mountain of Stone’, in honour of the imposing mountain which towers over it. The property then passed through many generations over the course of the next 300 years before being sold in 1990, when it was redeveloped as a golfing estate, hotel and premier winery.
Who or what has been your greatest influence?
“Primal Africa – both its boundless beauty and harsh difficulty has shaped and moulded me into who I am.”
What is your favourite smell or flavour?
I love the fresh, zesty taste of ginger. The smell of jasmine on a warm spring evening. The smell before a Savannah thunderstorm is also amazing. (John Loubser)
The Estate
After the sale of the Estate in 1990, there followed thorough soil and micro-climate analyses, culminating in a complete replanting programme. Great lengths were taken to select the best grape varieties to match the terroir, cultivating the latest and highest quality clones available. The location of the vineyards is also determining factor: Steenberg is the southern-most wine farm in the Valley with the cooling influence of the nearby False Bay coastline. Vines were planted on east-facing slopes to ensure maximum sunlight exposure, taking full advantage of the cool sea breezes.
The Wines
Around 50,000 cases of Steenberg wine are produced annually. The majority of vines covering the 70 hectares of vineyards are Sauvignon Blanc, but Steenberg consistently produce a wide range of premium wines. The Estate is one of only a few farms in the Cape to cultivate Nebbiolo. Each wine produced displays maximum varietal expression, excellent balance and longevity resulting from the skill and expertise of the winemaker, John Loubser, in handling the highest quality fruit.
