Ernie Els Wines: A Haven for Lovers of Red Wine

From the moment you pass the grand granite boulders at the entrance and through the big farmhouse-style doors of the winery at Ernie Els Wines, you know you’re in for a treat. Perched high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains in prime cabernet sauvignon country (what is known as Stellenbosch’s Golden Triangle), the wine-tasting terrace really feels like the top of the world, with glorious views over rolling vineyards to Table Mountain, False Bay and Stelllenbosch. And throughout the tasting lounge, library, trophy room and beyond you’ll find an elevated level of unobtrusive comfort and easy hospitality that invites you to slow down and spend all day, savouring the charms of this notable Stellenbosch winery, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Reminiscing over this 25-year journey, winemaker Louis Strydom says, “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 and better. It’s in the DNA of this northfacing 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 five wines in front of him and said, you choose. And that day the Ernie Els Signature was born.”

Red wine tastings

As you arrive you’re greeted with a complimentary pour of that week’s Welcome Wine, inviting you to relax and enjoy the journey ahead. Selected by the winemaker and changing with the seasons, this wine offers a first taste of warm Ernie Els hospitality, and a glimpse into the collection while you decide on which tasting to embark upon.

Today, the vineyards on the slopes of the Helderberg produce six varietals, with the main focus still firmly on cabernet sauvignon. They have nine different clones of just this one varietal on the farm, each of which they vinify separately.

The popular Big Easy range is named for founder Ernie Els’ nickname on the golf course, and includes cabernet sauvignon, chenin blanc, merlot, a red blend and cabernet sauvignon rosé, which can be enjoyed in the Player’s Tasting.

Then the Major Series includes a multi-award-winning cabernet and merlot, tasted alongside two wines from the exclusive Proprietor’s range in the Majors tasting.

Last but not least, the wine that started it all, Ernie Els Signature, an iconic Bordeaux blend. You can add it to one of the tastings, or experience it in a special canapé pairing, which includes the current vintage and a carefully selected older vintage from the Vinotèque.

Cost Player’s Tasting: R185 (4 wines)
Majors Tasting: R265 (4 wines)
Signature Tasting: R185 (added to any tasting)
Signature Canapé Tasting: R395 (2 wines, canapé and sorbet)

Grillworks Menu

A sizzling open-fire dish from the Grillworks tasting room menu is the perfect pairing to these big-hearted reds. Head chef Eric Bulpitt goes big on traditional local flavours with an elegant twist, in small plates infused with the smoky essence of South African braai culture, designed for snacking and sharing. And there are classic cheese or charcuterie boards too.

Explore further

Take a tour through the atmospheric brick-vaulted cellar to learn about different fermentation and maturation techniques, and admire terracotta amphorae next to French oak barrels and concrete eggs, each of which play a different role in creating the complex cabernet sauvignons and blends that make up the Big Easy, Major Series and Proprietor’s ranges.

For serious fundis, the bottle-lined Vinothèque stocks a treasure trove of older vintages aged to perfection to pick out for lunch at the restaurant or to take home for a special occasion.

And for those who’d like to linger longer, take a comfortable seat in the library and leaf through glossy books about wine, tasting glass of vino in hand. Practise your swing at the chipping green above the vines (a hole in one gets you a free  bottle of wine). Or spend a happy half hour browsing the Ernie memorabilia, photos and awards on display in the trophy room.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (last tasting 4pm)
Grillworks Menu: 12pm – 4pm
Contact 021 881 3588, bookings@ernieelswines.com
Where to find it Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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