raham Beck bought Steenberg Hotel and Steenberg Winery in April 2005. Steenberg Hotel has since flourished with an upmarket spa added to the excellent facilities available for guests, including a trendy bar overlooking a large pool in the most perfect setting imaginable. Steenberg Vineyards underwent extensive soil and micro-climatic analyses before a complete replanting programme was begun. There are about 62ha under vine of which 60% is white: Sauvignon Blanc (50% of total plantings) and Semillon. The red varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. The farm is also one of only a handful in the Cape to have invested in the red Italian variety Nebbiolo. From an initial 2000 cases, Steenberg Vineyards now produces over 20 000 per annum, with a maximum capacity of ±70 000 cases.
Steenberg can capitalise on its uniqueness due to:
A) Macro-climate: Mild temperature, cool breeze from the sea, reliable winter rainfall, good exposition to sunlight.
B) Meso-climate: Southern-eastern slopes, variety of altitudes ranging from 60m to 160m, proximity to ocean.
C) Micro-climate: Moderate plant growth, canopy management, soil ranging from low vigour to high potential types.
D) Geographic Placement: Close to the city and harbour.
The philosophy is that the "wines are grown in the vineyard and then cared for in the winery". Special attention was therefore placed in obtaining the very best and latest known clones and matched to the correct soils and slopes. The most important ingredients to a superior wine are quality vineyards, climate and gentle human intervention to allow the grape to do what it does naturally. John Loubser, the general manager's positive and sensitive passion to the wine industry has left its indelible mark on the wines of Steenberg. Working in an environment where the facilities are modern, efficient and the best in the country, allowed John the freedom to express his knowledge through the art of wine making. As John so expressively puts it: "I'm influenced by what surrounds me. Smells, flavours, colours, vistas, sounds, experiences, people - anything that tickles my imagination or my senses. Wine is truly one of the highs when it comes to sensory pleasures and this influences me."
JD Pretorius was appointed as wine maker at Steenberg Vineyards in June 2009. He embodies the spirit of the new generation of winemakers, and with his fresh approach and infectious enthusiasm, has already greatly contributed to the success of the 2009 harvest.
Farm manager, Johann de Swardt and his staff, tenderly care for the vines, forever sensitive to the whisperings and secrets that the vines unfold.
The icon wines of Steenberg Vineyards are Magna Carta, our white Bordeaux style blend, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. Other wines carrying the Steenberg label are, Shiraz, Merlot, Nebbiolo and 1682 Chardonnay MCC.
Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg wine tasting
Cheers!
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