Boplaas Family Vineyards is located in Calitzdorp at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo. The warm, dry climate differs markedly from the coastal wine regions around Stellenbosch. Low rainfall, hot summers and cold winters create conditions particularly well suited to Portuguese grape varieties. Today Boplaas is one of the producers that most consistently exploits this connection between Calitzdorp and varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Souzão and Verdelho.

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The Nel family's history at Boplaas dates back to 1880. Over several generations, the agricultural farm developed into a versatile wine producer. Today the family combines its long experience in Calitzdorp with modern winemaking and a clear focus on grape varieties that are particularly well adapted to the dry conditions of the Klein Karoo.

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An important turning point came in the 1970s. Danie Nel originally intended to plant Shiraz, but the vines delivered later turned out to be Tinta Barocca. His son Carel identified the variety while studying oenology in Stellenbosch. Because it performed exceptionally well in Calitzdorp, the family began to explore Portuguese varieties more intensively and later planted Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Souzão among others.

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Today Margaux Nel continues this focus as winemaker. Her master's research at Stellenbosch University examined Touriga Nacional and its response to the terroir of Calitzdorp. Alongside Tinta Barocca and Touriga Nacional, the range now also includes white Portuguese varieties such as Verdelho and Alvarinho. They bring freshness and aromatic tension to a region otherwise often associated with powerful red wines.

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A particular speciality of Boplaas is its fortified wines. These are made primarily from Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca and Souzão. Ripe grapes, concentrated fruit and, depending on the wine, extended barrel ageing produce complex aromas of dark berries, dried fruit, spices and nuts. These wines have been among the estate's characteristic products for many years.

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Boplaas also shows a broad stylistic range in its dry wines. Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barocca are used both as single-varietal wines and in blends. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cinsault are also represented. Among the whites, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Alvarinho complement the range. Depending on the wine, the grapes come from Calitzdorp or other selected areas of the Western Cape.

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At Vin Africa, Boplaas represents a distinctive side of South African wine. Portuguese grape varieties, the dry climate of the Klein Karoo and the Nel family's long experience shape both the dry wines and the estate's characterful fortified wines.