Over 330 years of wine history on the Eerste River
Spier is one of South Africa's oldest wine estates. In 1692, Governor Simon van der Stel granted the first land deed to Arnoud Jansz — one of the earliest documented wine estates in Stellenbosch, located on the banks of the Eerste River, about a 40-minute drive from Cape Town. By 1754, over 30,000 vines were already growing here, and the cellar you find on the estate today is considered the oldest dated wine cellar still in operation in South Africa. The fact that Spier also co-founded the Stellenbosch Wine Route — in 1971, under owner Neil Joubert, as the first of its kind in South Africa — shows how deeply the estate is rooted in the history of the entire region. Since 1993, the Enthoven family has managed the winery, shaping it with a clear philosophy: not land ownership, but responsibility for a landscape.
Regenerative agriculture instead of buzzword sustainability
The Enthoven family explicitly views Spier as a co-creator of a larger ecosystem. The winery manages more than 650 hectares, where, in addition to the vineyards, indigenous Renosterveld and Fynbos are being restored — an active rewilding program that has been running for over 30 years. In the vineyard, Spier relies on regenerative farming methods: soil health, biodiversity, and water management are just as important as the harvest. For its work, the estate has been awarded the WWF Conservation Champion status and is a member of the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA); furthermore, it holds EnviroWines®, organic, and Control Union Vegan certifications. Spier is pursuing a net-zero emissions target by 2030. In the cellar, Cellar Master Johan Jordaan — previously a long-time red winemaker alongside Frans Smit — has been responsible for winemaking since 2021. His approach: precise work in the vineyard, long yeast maturation times, and respect for the Stellenbosch terroir.
From accessible signature wine to the characterful Seaward
Spier's range is clearly divided into lines that serve different demands and occasions. The Signature line — including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and a Chardonnay-Pinot-Noir-Rosé — stands for easy-drinking wines with a clean fruit profile and broad food compatibility. The Seaward line goes deeper: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz from carefully selected sites with distinct origin character, firmer structure, and noticeable aging potential. Freshness, precision, and a recognizable connection to the Stellenbosch terroir run through all lines. Those who want to discover or deepen their knowledge of South African wine culture will find a portfolio at Spier that shows, without detours, what this region is capable of — from the bright, herbal-fruity side of Sauvignon Blanc to the dark, velvety tannins of Pinotage.
