From a Latvian Baroness to MAN Family Wines: 300 Years of Lievland
Lievland dates back to 1715, when the original land was allocated to a soldier of the Dutch East India Company. One of the most influential figures in this long history is Hendrika von Stiernhjelm, a Latvian baroness who took over the estate in 1934. After her husband's death, she moved to the farm with five children and gave it the name "Lievland" — derived from "Livland," the historical name for her Baltic homeland. The baroness plowed the vineyards herself with a horse, was one of the first producers in the region to barrel-ferment a Chenin Blanc, and thus laid the foundation for an iconic Shiraz that became known far beyond the borders of the Western Cape. The Cape Dutch manor house, which still stands today, bears the year 1865 on its gable — a silent witness to this eventful past.
After years of stagnation, José Conde and Tyrrel Myburgh, the partners behind MAN Family Wines, bought the estate at the end of 2017. With a ten-year planting plan, a new production facility, and the restoration of the historic building ensemble, they began to gradually rebuild Lievland. The name MAN stands for Marie, Anette, and Nicky — the wives of the founders, who have supported the business from the very beginning.
Horseshoe-shaped valley, granite soils, Mediterranean climate
Lievland is located in a horseshoe-shaped valley on the northwestern slopes of the Simonsberg, on the so-called "Golden Mile" of the Stellenbosch wine region. This special topography creates a wide spectrum of microclimates: slope and hilltop locations with south, west, and north orientations ensure different ripening conditions within the same estate. The sheltered location keeps harsher south winds away and creates unusually cool conditions for Stellenbosch — an advantage for aromatics and acid structure. The soils consist predominantly of weathered granite with deposits of loam and clay, which store moisture and supply the vines even in the dry summer months. Winemaker Riaan Möller and his assistant Mahalia Kotjane are responsible for the aging in the cellar, where classic grape varieties are vinified according to traditional methods. An ecological certification process is underway according to the winery.
Classic varieties, South African soul
The Lievland range includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and a dry rosé made from Syrah and Mourvèdre. The flagship wine Heart's Ease Syrah shows aromas of plum and pepper spice, structured, silky tannins, and a multi-layered palate — a direct reflection of the granite soils and the cool slope locations. The Chenin Blanc carries aromas of white peach, citrus fruit, and pineapple, supported by lively acidity and subtle minerality. The label on all bottles shows Cupid on a springbok — inspired by an experience José Conde had during his first visit to the estate: two horses had adopted a young springbok. This image has since stood for the character of the estate: rooted in the South African terroir, told with its own story.
