Africa's First Wine Route: The 4 Estates That Started It All

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4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 📜 1

   Find Where the Idea Was Born - Burgundy's Gift

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   In 1969, two Stellenbosch winemakers—Frans Malan (Simonsig) and Niel Joubert (Spier)—found themselves in Burgundy's Morey-Saint-Denis appellation, which had a modest Route des Vins where participating domaines opened their doors to visitors. Malan recalled: 'it suddenly struck me that Stellenbosch was the ideal district in which to create a wine route.' They returned home, recruited Spatz Sperling (Delheim), and in April 1971 received official approval to form the Stellenbosch Wine Route—South Africa's FIRST wine route and one of the oldest organized wine routes in the world. It started with 11 founding members. Visit any of the three founding estates—Simonsig, Spier, or Delheim. At Simonsig specifically, ask about Frans Malan's trip to Burgundy and the Morey-Saint-Denis inspiration. The vine labyrinth at Simonsig includes educational displays about their pioneering history. The Stellenbosch Wine Routes website (wineroute.co.za) has the full 50-year history documented.

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   Taste the Wine That Created a Category - Kaapse Vonkel

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   In 1971—the SAME YEAR as the wine route founding—Frans Malan released Kaapse Vonkel ('Cape Sparkle'), the first Méthode Cap Classique (traditional method sparkling wine) ever produced in South Africa. Frans had visited Champagne in 1968, witnessed bottle fermentation, and returned burning with conviction that South Africa could produce world-class sparkling wine. The term 'Cap Classique' would later become the official designation for all South African traditional method sparkling wines. It traces directly back to Frans Malan's vision. Today, 250+ producers make Cap Classique. Simonsig Wine Estate sits 45km east of Cape Town, named for its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain. Book the 'Sparkle with Simonsig' tasting (R75 per person)—taste through the iconic Cap Classique range including Cuvée Royale. Ask about the 1971 first release and how Frans chose the name 'Kaapse Vonkel.' If Simonsig is fully booked, many Stellenbosch estates now make Cap Classique. But drinking it at the birthplace—where the entire category was invented—is the pilgrimage.

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   Walk the Route That Changed an Industry

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   Before 1971, South African winemakers couldn't sell wine under their own labels—the industry was controlled by KWV and cooperatives. The wine route concept was revolutionary: direct-to-consumer sales and tourism. A complete reimagining of how South African wine reached drinkers. The three founding estates were soon joined by Groenland, Koopmanskloof, Blaauwklippen, Verdun, Overgaauw, Neethlingshof, Hazendal, Uiterwyk, Muratie, Mooiplaas, Hartenberg, and Koelenhof—growing from 3 to 11 members in the first year. It was only in 1975 that they got permission to erect signposts, and only in 1981 were the first signs with the Wine Route logo approved. The Stellenbosch Wine Routes now represents more than 200 wine and grape producers. Pick any 3-4 estates on the route and drive the loop. Notice the signage with the Stellenbosch Wine Routes logo. At each stop, mention you're following the first wine route in Africa. Ask the staff how their estate joined the route and when. The Stellenbosch Street Soirees (October-March, once or twice monthly on Drostdy Street) bring 200+ producers together under oak trees for tastings, food, and live music. Tickets R250 including glass and 10 tasting tokens.

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   Decode the Malan Dynasty at Simonsig

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   The Malan family's winemaking roots in South Africa date back to 1688 when the first Malan arrived in the Cape. Frans Malan's forward-thinking entrepreneurship laid the foundation for TWO revolutions: the Stellenbosch Wine Route (1971) and Cap Classique (1971). Today, three generations work at Simonsig: sons Pieter, Francois, and Johan; grandson Michael Malan as cellar master; granddaughter Christelle; and fourth generation Francois-Jacques. Simonsig's first wine under its own label was actually a 1968 Steen (Chenin Blanc), but it was the 1971 Kaapse Vonkel and the wine route that changed everything. During your Simonsig visit, ask about the Malan family—how many generations, who works where, how the vision continues. Ask to see the vine labyrinth (planted with different varieties for educational display) and any historical artefacts in the gardens. The museum pieces tell the story of 330+ years. Simonsig's flagship still wine is Tiara (Bordeaux blend, first produced 1990: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot). Taste it alongside Kaapse Vonkel to understand the full range.

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