Annandale Wines

Annandale Wines is a historic wine estate located in the Helderberg Valley near Stellenbosch in South Africa's Western Cape province. It is said to be the oldest farm in the premium red-wine-producing Helderberg Valley, with its origins dating back to 1688 when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to Jan Wismaar. Originally named Brakelsdal, the property was renamed Annandale in the early 1800s after a woman from the Annan River Valley in Scotland. The estate features a manor house built in the mid-1700s and a cellar that predates 1700, both still standing today. The modern winery era began when Gerhard (Hempies) du Toit, a fifth-generation winemaker and one of South Africa's most respected names in red winemaking, acquired the estate in 1996 and settled there in 2000 after 41 years at Alto. During his 25 years at Alto, he crafted acclaimed wines, earning numerous local and international awards, including the Grand Prix d'Honneur for his 1984 Cabernet Sauvignon at VinExpo in France and a gold medal for his 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon. Under his ownership, Annandale focused on premium red wines. Today, the legacy continues under the leadership of Willem and Louanne Briedenhann, Hempies' eldest daughter and son-in-law, who have taken over the reins at Annandale. They remain deeply committed to the family tradition of crafting premium red wines, continuing the pursuit of excellence that has long defined Annandale. The estate spans 45 hectares of vineyards planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz, producing wines of depth and distinction. The Briedenhanns, together with their young sons, carry forward the Annandale legacy with renewed energy and purpose, blending tradition with innovation, sustainable farming, and a deep respect for the land. Annandale welcomes visitors to experience the authenticity of the estate in its unspoilt, traditional cellar. The tasting room offers a proud collection of wines, including Shiraz 2018, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, and Chardonnay 2023, along with bundle specials. The estate's wines have received notable accolades, such as 4 Platter's stars and a Winemakers Choice Diamond Award for the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5 Platter's stars and 'Best Wine at Show' in Sweden in 2006 for the 2001 Shiraz. With over 315 years of grape growing and 53+ years of winemaking experience from the current winemaker, Annandale continues to evolve while honoring its storied past.

The history of Annandale Wines dates back to 1688 when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the farm to Jan Wismaar. Originally known as Brakelsdal, the property was renamed Annandale in the early 1800s by an owner who fell in love with a woman from the Annan River Valley in Scotland. A manor house built in the mid-1700s and a cellar predating 1700 still stand on the estate. Over the centuries, the farm served various purposes, including a period after World War II when part of it became a home for abused horses and a riding school; this heritage is reflected in the wine labels featuring a horse's head. In the early 20th century, about 100 hectares were planted with vines. The modern winery era began in 1996 when Gerhard (Hempies) du Toit acquired the estate. Du Toit, a fifth-generation winemaker, had spent 41 years at Alto, including 25 years crafting their acclaimed wines. He settled at Annandale in 2000 and focused on premium red wines. Under his leadership, Annandale gained recognition, with wines like the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon earning 4 Platter's stars and a Winemakers Choice Diamond Award, and the 2001 Shiraz receiving 4.5 Platter's stars and 'Best Wine at Show' in Sweden in 2006. Today, the estate is owned by Willem and Louanne Briedenhann, Hempies' eldest daughter and son-in-law, who continue the family tradition of crafting premium red wines while embracing sustainable farming and innovation.

• 2006

  Shiraz 2001 named 'Best Wine at Show' in Sweden.

• 2001

  Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 earned 4 Platter's stars and Winemakers Choice Diamond Award; Shiraz 2001 earned 4.5 Platter's stars.

• 2000

  Hempies du Toit settled at Annandale after 41 years at Alto.

• 1996

  Gerhard (Hempies) du Toit acquired the estate.

• 1800

  Property renamed Annandale in the early 1800s.

• 1750

  Manor house built in the mid-1700s.

• 1700

  Cellar predating this year still stands on the estate.

• 1688

  Governor Simon van der Stel granted the farm to Jan Wismaar.

Premium handcrafted red wines from a historic estate

• Shiraz 2018

• Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

• Annandale Chardonnay 2023

• Bundle Special

1. 1Annandale Wines – Premium red-wine of the Helderberg Valleyannandale.co.za
2. 2About – Annandale Winesannandale.co.za
3. 3Annandalewikidata.org
4. 4Annandale Winesde.wikipedia.org