Background

Goede Hoop Wine Estate is situated off the old road between the towns of Stellenbosch and Kuilsriver, deep in the valley known as the Bottelary Kloof. The old farmhouse, rich in atmosphere, was built in 1880. In 1928 the Bestbier family purchased the wine estate and today Pieter Bestbier is a Third generation winemaker at Goede Hoop.

This family estate on the Bottelary Road has been specialising in red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blends for years. They have also introduced a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for 1999. Production is 9000 cases and a proportion is exported to Europe and Canada.

THE VINEYARDS

The 120 hectare wine estate is situated on the slopes of the valley and about 80 hectares have been planted with vines facing mainly north and north-west. Three hundred and fifty metres separate the lowest and highest vineyards and meso-climates abounds the temperature and rainfall differences between these vineyards are considerable.

Also the horseshoe-shaped vineyards ensure the right hours of sunshine for every variety. These conditions - the temperate climate as well as quality of the soil - are ideal for producing wines of excellence.

On the crest of the hills are weathered remains of granite outcrops. The surrounding soil is ideal for vineyard cultivation, especially red wine because the moisture retaining sub-soils keep the vine root cool, even in summer. The vineyards are not irrigated as the rainfall is sufficient at between 600 and 900 mm per annum.

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