Lanzerac Wine Estate in the Jonkershoek Valley
Lanzerac Wine Estate lies at the entrance to the Jonkershoek Valley just outside Stellenbosch. The historic property is framed by the Jonkershoek and Stellenbosch Mountains. Elevation, cool mountain nights and varied soils give the vineyards their own microclimate within Stellenbosch. Today Lanzerac combines winemaking, historic buildings and a hotel on an estate whose history reaches back to the 17th century.
The story began in 1692, when Isaac Schrijver received the land and named the farm Schoongezicht. The first vines were planted early on, and during the 19th century the estate acquired much of the historic appearance it retains today. A decisive phase began in 1920 with Elizabeth Catherina "Kitty" English. She gave the estate the name Lanzerac and modernised both the farming operation and wine production. The estate has been under its current ownership since 2012.
Lanzerac is particularly closely associated with Pinotage. In 1925, Professor Abraham Izak Perold crossed Pinot Noir with Cinsault, which at the time was known in South Africa as Hermitage. The 1959 vintage was later marketed under the Lanzerac name and released in 1961. It is regarded as the first commercially bottled wine to carry the name Pinotage on its label. As a result, Lanzerac remains closely linked to the history of this South African grape variety to this day.
Some of the Pinotage parcels lie at elevations of around 400 to 420 metres. Here the vines grow on deeply weathered granite and sandstone soils with clay-rich layers that can retain moisture during the dry summers. The mountain climate brings lower temperatures during the ripening period. Today's Lanzerac Pinotage combines ripe berry and plum fruit with firm structure and an ageing regime that also allows for extended bottle maturation.
Cabernet Sauvignon also plays an important role. The grapes come from several parcels in the Jonkershoek Valley, ranging from around 100 to more than 300 metres in elevation depending on the block. Deep red, weathered granite soils characterise these sites. Chardonnay is also one of the key white grape varieties. The vineyards used for it reach elevations of around 375 metres and are planted predominantly on deep sandy soils.
The current portfolio is divided into several ranges. The Jonkershoek Range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage Rosé, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and the Jonkershoek Reserve. The Heritage Range features limited wines such as Pionier Pinotage, Le Général and Mrs English Chardonnay, as well as a Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique. The Keldermeester Versameling adds smaller-production bottlings from varieties including Pinot Blanc, Cinsault, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Lanzerac therefore combines historical significance with a clear focus on the vineyards of the Jonkershoek Valley. Pinotage in particular demonstrates the close connection between the estate and South African wine history, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay complement the diversity of Stellenbosch's high-altitude vineyards. At Vin Africa, Lanzerac represents a producer rich in tradition whose wines directly connect the history and origin of the Jonkershoek Valley.