Kanonkop

On the lower slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, the most famous wine-growing region in South Africa, lies the Kanonkop wine estate. 

Kanonkop Winery - Open fire for the best wine

It is known for producing some of the best South African red wines annually on its over 120 hectares of cultivated land. Almost exclusively red wines are produced. Only two percent are rosé wines. To make sure that all wines are successful, vintners Abrie Beseslaar and Alet Vlok use all their skills. Originally, Kanonkop was bought by Jacobus Wilhelmus Sauer and is a family business now in its fourth generation. Paul and Johann Krige, the two sons of Jacobus Wilhelmus, now run the Kanonko pwinery and take care to preserve tradition as well as to keep the winery up to date. 

Where does the name Kanonkop come from?

In the 17th century, many sailing ships passed through the South African Cape when travelling from the Far East to Europe. As soon as a ship dropped anchor, a cannon fired a warning shot from a small hill called Kopje to inform the residents of Stellenbosch of the arrival of new goods. This hill, as well as the cannons, thus gave Kanonkop its name. 

Kanonkop - Awards for wine and winery

The Kanonkop wine estate has made its excellent name with Pinotage wines and Cabernet Sauvignon. The "Black Label Pinotage" and the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated "Paul Sauer" have become world famous wine classics. Over the years, Kanonkop's wines have won many awards. Among others, the winery itself was honored with the Dave Hughes Trophy as best South African producer and with the Wolff Blass Trophy.

And these are the grape varieties grown at Kanonkop 

• Pinotage
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot