in the vineyard : Background
This 163-hectare estate with the optimistic name of Le Bonheur ("Happiness") is situated along the slopes of Klapmuts Hill of the Simonsberg Mountain, in the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin district. Klapmuts is the old Dutch word for the 18th century cocked hat that folded away into the saddle back pocket, and indeed, when observed from a distance, the hill resembles such a hat.
Le Bonheur was an important venue for travellers in the Cape, offering fresh spring water and an outspan area at the major junction of Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Malmesbury. Today Le Bonheur draws wine lovers who are content to sip fine quality wines and enjoy the seemingly timeless atmosphere of the estate.
Vineyards
Le Bonheur has an enviable terroir. The 163 hectare farm has 75ha planted to vineyards. Most of the vineyards face north, while a few face east and south-east. They are situated at altitudes ranging from 200m to 400m above sea level, and each has its own, unique soil characteristics. The main soil types are Hutton, Tukulu Glenrosa, Klapmuts and Kroonstad.
The following cultivars are planted on the estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Petit Verdot.
The grapes were sourced from north-easterly facing vineyard blocks on the estate, located some 200m to 350m above sea level. The vineyards are between 9 and 28 years of age and are cultivated under dryland conditions. The vines are all grafted onto nematode resistant Richter 110 rootstock.