History and philosophy

Kanonkop was founded in the early 1900s and has since developed into an institution in South African wine. The name refers to the cannon that was fired from the hills to signal ship arrivals in Cape Town. The house's winemaking tradition has been carried on by only a few hands since the 1980s – including the legendary Beyers Truter and today Abrie Beeslaar, who have refined the style without abandoning the house's classic DNA.

Grapes and wines

• Pinotage: The flagship grape. Dense, dark and deep with notes of plum, spice, chocolate and smoke. Great aging potential and internationally recognized.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Densely structured wine with cedar, blackcurrant and tannin. Dry and classic in style.
• Kadette series: Fruit-driven wines in a more accessible style – still with structure and seriousness, but accessible younger.
• Estate blends: Traditional Bordeaux blends and single-vineyard wines in limited production.

The wines are aged in 225-liter French barriques and bottled unfiltered. The production is uncompromising and artisanal – from vine to bottle.

Terroir and field work

The fields are located in the Simonsberg part of Stellenbosch, on well-drained red soil (Hutton soil) with a rich mineral component and high iron content. The climate is warm, but moderated by cool winds from the Atlantic. Old bush vines without irrigation give low yields and high concentration. The grapes are handpicked and carefully selected before vinification.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kanonkop