Kanonkop Wine Estate
Iconic Stellenbosch estate renowned for its premium red wines, rich heritage, and exceptional tasting experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vineyards in bloom, pleasant weather
Kanonkop Wine Estate
Best Time
Vineyards in bloom, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Stellenbosch estate renowned for its premium red wines, rich heritage, and exceptional tasting experiences.
"The best wine tasting I've ever had. The wines are absolutely amazing."
🚗 Easy Access from R44
Look for the famous canon on the R44 towards Stellenbosch; it's a clear signpost to Kanonkop. :car:
🍷 Riedel Glassware
Tastings are served in beautifully engraved Riedel glasses, enhancing the wine experience. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paul Sauer Bordeaux Blend
Tasting Room
South Africa's iconic Bordeaux-style blend, a testament to Stellenbosch heritage and winemaking excellence.
+1
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Room
A highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignon with a dark cassis profile and firm tannin structure.
The Tasting Room Experience
Tasting Room
Enjoy a modern, art-filled space with knowledgeable staff and tastings served in Riedel glasses.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Embrace the Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access from R44
Look for the famous canon on the R44 towards Stellenbosch; it's a clear signpost to Kanonkop. :car:
🍷 Riedel Glassware
Tastings are served in beautifully engraved Riedel glasses, enhancing the wine experience. :wine_glass:
📚 Rich History & Art
The tasting room showcases family history, art, and even large bottle displays. :art:
💰 Value Tasting Flight
The tasting flight offers excellent value, especially considering the premium wines served. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access from R44
Look for the famous canon on the R44 towards Stellenbosch; it's a clear signpost to Kanonkop. :car:
🍷 Riedel Glassware
Tastings are served in beautifully engraved Riedel glasses, enhancing the wine experience. :wine_glass:
📚 Rich History & Art
The tasting room showcases family history, art, and even large bottle displays. :art:
💰 Value Tasting Flight
The tasting flight offers excellent value, especially considering the premium wines served. :moneywithwings:
🌟 Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are attentive, friendly, and well-informed about the wines and estate's history. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kanonkop Wine Estate for its exceptional wines, particularly the Paul Sauer and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, coupled with the beautiful setting and the value offered in tasting flights, create a memorable experience. Some visitors note that while the tasting room is modern, the estate's true charm lies in its rich history and the quality of its wine.
"Had a wonderful experience at Kanonkop Estate during my wine tasting trip in Stellenbosch. Great attention, beautiful setup, amazing wine. Bought 4 bottles of Paul Sauer back home!
I'm looking forward to going back for future tasting."
Arturo Siu
"One of my favourite places to enjoy some premium wines. The owners have a great legacy of wine know-how throughout generations and you can feel their passion during tasting sessions. On top of everything, I got to taste the famous Snoek Fish Braai served with Sweet Potatoes and Apricot Jam. It was just an overall wonderful experience!"
Krisnen Murday
"Visiting Kanonkop strangely took me longer than anticipated since the tasting room upgrades a few years back. Why? I honestly simply cannot explain, considering our family are loyal supporters of their fine wines. Alas, on one sunny Spring day we decided to drive my Dad, a retired architect with a passion for art and history, to the experience the grandeur of the Greater Simonsberg, all with the hope to fan the flames of his latest love, painting in water colours.
Departing the N1 on the R44 towards Stellenbosch flanked by the majesty of the Simonsberg mountain certainly opened our senses and what better way to absorb such beauty other than sipping on some fine wines. With that we got site of the famous canon perched the R44, almost beckoning our attention to yield, and so we did. Entering the driveway of Kanonkop Wine Estate, arguably South Africa’s most renowned wines, we were filled with awe, the word legacy comes to mind, full of expectation, which we sure got.
The tasting room is spacious and modern, littered with art, showcasing not only the history, but family and tradition now four generations later, all the while striving for exceptional wines. I particularly liked the showcase of bottle sizes from the magnum (1.5l) to the Mandelazar (18l), while some are even on sale. Set behind some glass doors is a vinoteque cellar that offers a range of older stellar vintages with a small selection of souvenirs available for purchase. There is very comfortable lounge set area in front of great big fire place that I can imagine on a wet winters day would be very inviting. In contrast, the new deck outside under the Leopard trees would also provide a different appeal on a warmer day.
After we meandered the space, we found a table opposite the bronze sculpture Paul Sauer, and close enough to enjoy the other iconic family portraits of JW Sauer, Mary Krige and Jannie Krige. One would expect to pay a premium to taste such wines, considering Kanonkop became the first South African producer to score full marks in a 100-point rating of Cape wines by internationally renowned critic Tim Atkin, on the 2015 Paul Sauer Bordeaux blend. Additionally the wines are all rated four stars or higher by the country's favourite wine adviser guide, Platter’s, even the price point Kadette range. Spoiler alert, the tasting flight is all served in Riedel Glasses, which impressed me, perfectly engraved with the iconic Kanonkop canon.
The fee for such a spoil was a humble R100 pp, considering the Paul Sauer is on sale for around R1000 per bottle, I was truly impressed. The staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, answering all my dad’s random questions full of patience and grace.
Wine highlights were the estate ’19 Cabernet, worth every one of its 5 stars, think dark cassis and firm perfect tannin structure. The Rose also showed beautifully, dry but tasty, with an abundant nose of strawberry, ideal with the incoming summer months. The Kadette range is drinking very smooth, all ’22 vintages and very fruit forward, perhaps from the warmer year recorded compared to the ’21 year. Incidentally the Kadette Cab 21’ has bee one of favourite cabernets under R200 this past winter.
All in all an artistic and wine-filled experience.
Ciao
~SB 🍷"
Sher Brüssow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kanonkop Wine Estate is located in Stellenbosch. You can drive from Cape Town, which takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Follow the N1 highway towards Paarl, then take the R44 towards Stellenbosch. Keep an eye out for the iconic canon on the R44, which marks the entrance. :car:
Public transport directly to Kanonkop is limited. It's best to arrange a private transfer, taxi, or use a ride-sharing service if you plan to indulge in wine tasting. Many visitors opt for organized wine tours that include Kanonkop. :bus:
The most scenic and direct route from Cape Town is via the N1 and then the R44 towards Stellenbosch. This route offers beautiful vineyard views as you approach the Simonsberg mountain. :road:
Yes, Kanonkop Wine Estate offers ample parking for visitors. You'll find designated parking areas upon arrival. :parking:
Cycling is possible for the adventurous, especially if you are staying in Stellenbosch. The R44 is a popular cycling route, but be mindful of traffic. :bike:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot. :ticket:
Kanonkop Wine Estate typically opens for tastings from Monday to Saturday, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours. :clock:
The tasting fee is very reasonable, often around R100 per person for a flight of their premium wines, served in Riedel glasses. :moneywithwings:
Yes, you can purchase wine directly from the estate. They offer a range of their acclaimed wines, and you can also find older vintages in their vinoteque.
Kanonkop occasionally hosts exclusive tasting evenings and events. It's worth checking their social media or website for any upcoming special occasions. :calendar:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tasting room is modern, spacious, and art-filled, offering a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. You can choose to sit by the fireplace indoors or on the deck outside. :sparkles:
You can taste a selection of Kanonkop's renowned red wines, including their flagship Paul Sauer, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Kadette range. They also offer a Rosé. :wine_glass:
While Kanonkop is primarily a wine estate, they sometimes offer light pairings or have hosted special culinary events. Historically, they've served dishes like Snoek Fish Braai. :forkandknife:
While direct access to all vineyard areas might be restricted, the estate offers beautiful views of the vines from various vantage points, and you can certainly appreciate the landscape.
Kanonkop is more geared towards adult wine enthusiasts. While children might appreciate the open spaces, the focus is on wine tasting. Consider a family-friendly estate if traveling with young children. :familymanwoman_girl:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic canon, the rolling vineyards, the historic homestead, and the art within the tasting room. The Leopard trees on the deck also offer a lovely backdrop.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos during your tasting experience, especially to capture the beautiful setting and the wines.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography, but always be respectful of other guests and staff.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for vineyard and estate photography. Mid-day can be harsh but still offers good opportunities. :sunriseovermountains:
The name 'Kanonkop' means 'Cannon Hill.' The estate features a prominent canon, which is a key photographic element and a symbol of the estate's identity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're visiting with family, consider exploring other estates in the Stellenbosch or Franschhoek regions that offer more child-friendly activities, such as playgrounds, farm animals, or dedicated family tasting experiences. However, if your family enjoys wine, the open spaces and scenic views might still offer a pleasant outing. :familymanwoman_girl:
💰 Budget Travelers
To further manage costs, consider sharing a tasting flight if you're not a heavy drinker, or focus on tasting their more affordably priced Kadette range. Bringing your own snacks can also help save on food expenses, though Kanonkop may offer light pairings. :money_bag:
🍷 Wine Connoisseurs
+2 Experiencing their aged vintages from the vinoteque or tasting the highly-rated Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a treat. Engage with the knowledgeable staff to delve deeper into the nuances of their terroir and winemaking philosophy. The use of Riedel glassware and the meticulous presentation of each tasting flight underscore the estate's commitment to showcasing the full potential of their wines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Kanonkop Wines
+1Their flagship Paul Sauer blend, named after a prominent South African statesman, is a benchmark for the country's red wine production. It's crafted from grapes grown on old vines, yielding concentrated flavors and complex structures.
+1 Kanonkop was also one of the first estates to champion Pinotage, a uniquely South African varietal, and their rendition is celebrated for its rich fruit and smooth finish. Visitors can experience this rich heritage firsthand through tastings, where the knowledgeable staff share insights into the winemaking process, the estate's history, and the nuances of each wine. The vinoteque cellar also offers a glimpse into the aging potential of their stellar vintages.
Experiencing a Kanonkop Wine Tasting
Each tasting flight is served in elegant Riedel glasses, engraved with the iconic Kanonkop canon, elevating the sensory experience.
Beyond the tasting itself, the ambiance of the estate contributes significantly to the experience. You can choose to relax by the inviting fireplace indoors during cooler months or enjoy the sunshine on the deck under the Leopard trees.
The 'Kanonkop' Name and Identity
This unique name is not just a label; it's a symbol of the estate's strong identity and its deep roots in the South African landscape.The iconic canon that sits on the R44, a landmark for visitors approaching the estate, is a visual representation of this heritage.
This strong sense of place and history is reflected in the wines themselves, which are often described as having a distinct character and a sense of terroir. The estate's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern winemaking techniques is a key factor in its continued success and global recognition.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit