Anwilka Vineyards is located just 4 miles (7 kilometers) from the ocean in Stellenbosch’s prime Helderberg region and is the sister winery to Klein Constantia. The property was purchased in the late 1990s, and extensive replanting of 100 acres (40 hectares) of vineyards comprising primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and some Merlot followed. The then owners Lowell Jooste (the former co-owner of Klein Constantia), along with internationally well-known Bordeaux wine personalities Hubert de Boüard (co-owner of Château Angélus in Saint-Émilion) and Bruno Prats (former owner of Château Cos d’Estournel in Saint-Estèphe), released the maiden vintage blend of the Syrah-Cabernet in 2005. Anwilka has since established a worldwide reputation for this red blend which has been described by Robert Parker as “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa”.
Stellenbosch is recognized as the Cape’s premium red wine producing district. The significant maritime influence in the Helderberg sub-region enables exceptional fruit quality. The matching of grape varieties to specific sites was carefully considered when planting the vineyards. Soils are of moderate potential, allowing low vine vigor and consistently healthy vines. A gentle slope assists drainage during the winter rains, so minimal irrigation is used. Good water retention capacity avoids excessive hydric stress.
Anwilka strives to produce wines of high quality that express elements of elegance, minerality and balance. As a BWI champion (Biodiversity in Wine Initiative), the winery’s vision is aligned with that of the World Wildlife Fund as they aim to unite conservation and agricultural development in a complementary, mutually beneficial manner. Anwilka continually strives to produce wines in more environmentally responsible and biodynamic ways.
