Background

Biography of the wine farm / estate
The 2005 vintage was produced in the newly completed cellar by recent arrival Arno Albertyn, under the sage eye of Wynand Hamman (ex-Lanzerac, who now makes his Fryer's Cove wines here too). Knorhoek has always enjoyed popularity with tourists and trippers - now visitors can taste the fruits of the vine in a new improved venue, appropriately situated in the cellar and open over weekends. A wide deck makes the link between rustic and hi-tech: A bit of Muratie and a bit of something new.

Close to everything, especially nature
• only 10 min from Stellenbosch
• 40 min by highway to Cape Town
• on the Stellenbosch Wine Route and close to the Paarl Wine Route
• 30 min from Cape Town International Airport
• 30 min from False Bay`s Beaches
• 10 top golf courses within 30 min

PAST
Knorhoek lies some 200-380 metres above sea level on the gently sloping foothills of the Simonsberg mountain, and is part of the world-renowned Stellenbosch wine region.

Knorhoek`s title deeds date back to 1694. After changing hands several times, the daughter of Martin Melck, a german soldier, inherited the farm in the 18th century. Her son, Jan Andries Beyers, established the farm in its present form and the name to Knorhoek, literally meaning “ the place where lions growl”. At that time lions and leopards roamed freely in the area.

Sadly, the Cape lion disappeared in the course of the 18th century. Today leopards are rare but are still occasionally sighted high in the Stellenbosch mountains, and it is these beautiful creatures which are honoured on the current Knorhoek labels.

TERROIR
With its characteristics russet-red oak leaf soils and favourable aspects (warm northern-facing slopes for traditional red cultivars and sea breeze-cooled western slopes for slow maturing whites), Knorhoek is ideally situated for growing fine wines.

The farm today has 105 ha of vineyards, with 85% under state-of-the-art drip irrigation, computerised and regulated according to soil probe data. Over the last 6 years the farm has undergone sweeping changes, with as much as 60 ha being replanted with superior, disease-resistant rootstock. The attractive old wine cellar is constantly being upgraded in order to maintain the high quality of Knorhoek wines.

At Knorhoek, only a selected 15% of the grape production is used for labelled estate wines. The balance is sold to well-known wineries. The result – consistenetly top quality wines to remain value for wherever they are enjoyed.

OUR WINES
The first wines to bear the Knorhoek name were bottled in 1997. From the critically acclaimed maiden vintage to the present, they have won many awards and distinctions, including a double Gold Veritas and high ratings in wine magazines and the John Platter SA Wine Guide.

Knorhoek offers a noble range of cultivar wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage among the reds, and Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc among the white wines.

The ‘younger’ Two Cubs range of easy drinking red and white blends appeals to a new generation of wine lovers. With a label of two playful leopard cubs, these wines represent the prosperity of the Knorhoek family of wines and people.

... AND PRESENT
Beyers` great-grand daughter married into the Van Niekerk family and today the Van Niekerk brothers are the 5th generation to own and work this beautiful farm. Following in the footsteps of their father, Hannes, who was awarded the prestigious Smuts Trophy for his wines, they continue the long and honourable family tradition of wine making.

James, in charge of the vineyards, and Hansie, responsible for winemaking and marketing, together with their wives Carol and Ingrid, form a vibrant young team, passionate about wines and delighted to share their heritage with visitors and guests.

Situated in peaceful gardens, with a tempting rock pool and rustic outdoor lapa, the 3-star guesthouse spoils guests with traditional Cape hospitality and fine food. Knorhoek is a popular venue for weddings, conferences and other functions.

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