If you’re a wine enthusiast or just someone who is generally enthusiastic about wine, then there’s no better time to visit the Cape Winelands than during the harvest season. This is the time of year when the vineyards are buzzing with activity as the grapes are carefully picked and transported to the cellar for the winemaking process.
Simonsig concluded the 2023 harvest season on 24 March – the earliest ever recorded on the farm – and there was a collective sigh of relief as well as anticipation for what the new vintage will become. It was an exhilarating time of hard work, as our team meticulously picked and sorted the grapes to ensure that only the best make it into each bottle of Simonsig wine.
Now we wait as the fruits of our labour are being transformed into something truly remarkable as our winemakers are hard at work, using their skill and expertise to craft our exceptional range of wines. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, each bottle tells a story of the land, the people and the passion that make Simonsig a world-class winery.
Simonsig was founded in 1968 by the legendary Frans Malan, a pioneer in the South African wine industry. Frans was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, which has since become a must-visit destination for wine lovers from around the world. Today, Simonsig is still family-owned and operated with Johan Malan, Frans’s son, serving as the current CEO, and grandson, Michael Malan, as cellar master, continuing the Malan legacy of excellence that began over five decades ago.
At Simonsig, we’ve always focused on producing quality wines. In recent years, sustainability has also become a top priority. The estate is committed to using environmentally responsible farming practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. From the vineyards to the cellar, every step of the winemaking process is carefully monitored to ensure that only the best grapes make it into each bottle.
Harvest season is a special time of year at Simonsig Wine Estate – a farm that’s steeped in history and tradition. It’s a time when we come together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our staff and reflect on the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation.
On March 21st, South Africans celebrated Human Rights Day, a day to commemorate the struggle for human rights and dignity in the country. Our commitment to staff welfare is a fundamental part of our dedication to human rights. We provide housing to our employees and their families, ensuring that they have a safe and nurturing environment to call home. We also offer creche and aftercare facilities to our immediate staff, as well as the local community. The estate adheres to the Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Trade Association code of conduct, which focuses on ensuring fair labour practices in the industry.
We acknowledge that our success as a Stellenbosch wine farm is due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of our staff. That’s why we strive to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.
On March 25th, people around the world observed Earth Hour, a global event that highlights the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation. At Simonsig Wine Estate, sustainability is an integral part of our philosophy, and we’re proud to have implemented a variety of sustainable winemaking practices.
From solar power to waste reduction, we’re continuously looking for ways to minimise our environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the Stellenbosch wine farm. We’ve invested in sustainable farming techniques that reduce water usage and promote soil health, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to reduce waste and energy consumption in the cellar.
As the harvest season draws to a close, we reflect on the hard work and dedication that goes into producing exceptional wines at Simonsig, a Stellenbosch wine farm with a legacy that spans over 55 years. We’re proud to continue the tradition of excellence that our founder Frans Malan started and strive to innovate and lead the industry while upholding our commitment to sustainability.
Whether it’s providing fair labour practices to our staff or investing in sustainable farming and winemaking practices, we believe that our success as a winery is intertwined with our responsibility to the environment and the community. So next time you pour yourself a glass of Simonsig wine, know that it’s more than just a beverage– it’s a reflection of our dedication to quality, sustainability, and the legacy that we leave behind.
The beauty of the vineyards, the warmth of our hospitality, and the exquisite taste of our wines are available all year round at Simonsig. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility ensures that every bottle of Simonsig wine is a true reflection of our passion for winemaking.
Come and discover the legacy of excellence that began over five decades ago, and taste the magic of the Stellenbosch wine region. We look forward to welcoming you to Simonsig, where every sip tells a story.
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