The estate's history extends back around 300 years. In 1992, Italian-born entrepreneur Giulio Bertrand acquired the property and began repositioning Morgenster as a wine and olive estate. To develop its Bordeaux-inspired wine collection, he worked with Pierre Lurton, associated with Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.

​

Following the founder's death, Morgenster is continued by his daughter Federica and granddaughter Vittoria. The connection between South African origin and Italian family history continues to shape the estate. It is reflected both in the choice of grape varieties and in the close relationship between viticulture, olive growing and Italian food culture.

​

The core of the range consists of red wines based on classic Bordeaux models. Morgenster The Reserve is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The Lourens River Valley blend also combines these varieties, with Merlot playing an important role. The wines stand for ripe dark fruit, clear structure and a style designed to develop further in bottle.

​

Among the white wines, The Reserve White combines Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon. The range is complemented by varietal Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The Giulio Range commemorates the founder and is dedicated to Italian grape varieties. It includes, among others, Caruso Sangiovese Rosé. According to the winery, grapes for the estate's wines are hand-harvested.

​

The olive groves are also an integral part of Morgenster's identity. In 1994, Giulio Bertrand had a total of 17 Italian olive varieties brought to South Africa and planted around 42 hectares on the estate's stony soils. The first extra virgin olive oils were released in 1998. At Vin Africa, Morgenster therefore represents distinctive wines from the Helderberg that combine South African origin with Bordeaux tradition and Italian influences.