Heritage

Imbued with the pioneering spirit that typified the early Dutch settlers and French Huguenots who settled at the Cape, Simonsvlei is still building on this inherited culture of innovation, integrity and an independent spirit that dates back more than three centuries.

After the hardships of the Second World War a group of visionary wine farmers, steeped in the winemaking traditions introduced to the valley by the Huguenot families, joined forces to provide the area’s wine farmers with the facilities and expertise to produce quality wines on a larger and sustainable scale. Because of this collective effort, Simonsvlei was founded in 1945.

The name Simonsvlei originates from the founder of the South African wine Industry, Simon van der Stel, and from the area’s vlei (wetlands) landscape. Simon van der Stel was the Cape Governor representing the Dutch government during the 17’th century. This far-sighted gentleman selected this unique location, because he realized soon enough that the area’s cool microclimate was ideal for producing quality grapes.  He must have realized too that the prevailing winds blowing across the vlei or wetland would naturally cool the cellar and the wine in the barrels – ideal conditions for making quality wines!

Today, Simonsvlei is still committed to the common goal set by one of its co-founders, Sonny le Roux, to provide “quality wines at affordable prices”. And ever since, innovative and affordable wines of quality have become the hallmark of Simonsvlei.  One of those who helped to create the foundation, on which the reputation of Simonsvlei has been built, is the now legendary figure of Oom Sarel.  It was under his tutelage and guidance that winemaking advanced in leaps and bounds at Simonsvlei.

       Location, Cellar and Market Focus

Simonsvlei nestles in the picturesque Groot Drakenstein and Paarl Valley with the magnificent Simonsberg (Simon’s mountain) as backdrop. The cellar also offers stunning views of Paarl Mountain, the second largest granite outcrop in the world. Furthermore, Simonsvlei is only 40 minutes from Cape Town’s Waterfront and 20 minutes from the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Simonsvlei’s total wine grape production is about 9 000 metric tons (or 6.5 Million litres of wine) delivered by 36 wine farms. Hectares under vine are approximately 1 200 and the main grape varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.

Simonsvlei undertakes never to compromise on quality, but to keep it as its prime consideration throughout all areas of activity, from the planting of the vineyard stock to maintaining impeccable standards with regard to bottling and hygiene.

       Eco and Social Projects

Simonsvlei is a concerned eco-citizen and serious about protecting and caring for the rare wetland on its property. Although this vlei or wetland is located between the N1 highway and the busy R101, Simonsvlei is in the process of developing a sustainable plan, in conjunction with conservation partners, to protect this valuable eco-system.

Simonsvlei has made a commitment to implement the Wine Industry’s Charter on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Its social responsibility programme, Sima Kunye (Xhosa for standing together) was put in place in 2000.

Its aim is to provide an ongoing programme for teaching basic reading and writing skills to unskilled and semi-skilled workers. A number of workers have also completed a cellar education programme – focussing on the basic skills of viticulture and winemaking.

With this programme, Simonsvlei also wishes to broaden the scope of its corporate social responsibility initiatives by sponsoring and supporting deserving external community projects on an ongoing basis. In order to realize this objective, Simonsvlei has identified the Family Reunion Centre (FRC) as its designated charity.

ACHIEVEMENTS

First regional cellar to receive superior awards for red (1973 Cabernet Sauvignon) and desert wine.

First cellar to receive the President’s Award for Export Achievement twice in a row – 1994 and 1995

First regional cellar to have wines auctioned at the world-renowned Nederburg Wine Auction

First company in SA, at first attempt, to qualify for three coveted International Certification bodies at the same time:

·        ISO 9001: 2000 – Quality Management System

·        SABS 0330: HACCP – Implementation of a Food Safety System

·        BRC: British Retail Consortium for producers supplying retailer branded foods.

Woolworths Supplier of the Year Award – 2006