25 years of pourfection
A quarter century of quality built with a lifelong passion
Reaching a milestone of 25 years in the wine industry isn’t just about longevity, it’s about consistently delivering excellence. Having spent two and a half decades refining a centuries-old craft, cultivating a unique terroir, and winning over both critics and casual wine lovers has made Ernie Els Wines a prestigious and beloved name in the industry.
THE EARLY DAYS
The winery was officially opened in 2005, helmed by its namesake founder Ernie Els and Louis Strydom, a highly respected winemaker in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch with decades of experience. Since then the estate has focused on producing a range of wines, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.
According to Louis, “It’s taken me a lifetime to understand what I have and what I can do with Cabernet on the Helderberg Mountains. This terroir is made for bigger is better. It’s in the DNA of this north-facing slope. These deep, red soils. This richness. The first vintage of Ernie Els was in 2000. We asked ourselves: what wine do we make? And I sat down with Ernie, put 5 wines in front of him and said you choose nr 1-5. And that day the Ernie Els Signature was born.”
Ernie Els himself also has fond memories of those early days. “It really seems hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since Louis and I sat down over a few glasses of wine and discussed our dreams and aspirations for creating our winery. Look how far we’ve come. It’s incredible.”
WINES INFORMED BY BREATHTAKING SURROUNDINGS
Thoughtfully selected for its prime position, Ernie Els Winery is framed by panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain to the West And Stellenbosch and the Helderberg Mountains to the East. This iconic location in the Cape Winelands influences the wines produced.
The estate’s elevated vineyards benefit from cooler temperatures and slower ripening, allowing grapes to develop complex flavours and balanced acidity. This paired with diverse soils and the coastal influence of cool sea breezes preserves acidity and freshness, particularly noticeable in red blends, which results in great vibrancy and longevity.
PLENTY TO DO
Aside from a visit to the estate’s incredible tasting room, visitors can also stop by the Chilli Shed, named for the surrounding chilli plants, an espresso bar designed to offer quick, quality coffee to cyclists, hikers, and visitors exploring the scenic Ernie Els x Alto trail. Guests can also enjoy the views of fynbos and proteas, enhancing the estate’s natural beauty and supporting biodiversity. The garden also grows a variety of herbs and seasonal produce, used in the restaurant to provide a delicious farm-to-table experience.
BOUNTIFUL GIFT
The Ernie Els Signature 2018 stands as a divine offering from nature. This opulent Bordeaux-style blend opens with cedar notes, unfolding into layers of juniper, blackcurrant, cherry, and plum. Born of drought-resilient vines on the sun-baked north-facing slopes of Stellenbosch’s Helderberg region, this wine demonstrates nature’s remarkable adaptability, with the concentrated smaller berries of 2018 creating exceptional depth and character. Unwrapping this treasure reveals satin-smooth tannins that frame its rich, full-bodied nature with finesse. Presented in an elegant gift box, this blend is the perfect celebratory gesture for milestone moments when only extraordinary craftsmanship will suffice.