Origins
The estate’s story begins with Dr. Simon Uys, whose life reflected determination, discipline and long-term vision. After establishing his medical career, he returned to the Cape and acquired the farm "Houmoed" that would later become Fort Simon.
For him, the land represented opportunity across generations — a place where a family could build something lasting.
These values remain central to the estate today.
Identity
The name Fort Simon was introduced by Renier Uys to honour his father and to express the estate’s underlying idea: resilience, stewardship and protection of place.
The Fort itself serves primarily as a symbol — a reminder of continuity and intent — rather than a statement of grandeur. At Fort Simon, the focus remains on the vineyards and the gradual shaping of the estate over time.
Estate Winemaking
Fort Simon’s wines are rooted in Bottelary Hills fruit and an estate-driven approach to production.
From the earliest releases, the aim has been clarity, balance and authenticity rather than scale.
Wines such as Anna Simon reflect the family dimension of the estate — connecting people, land and story without excess narrative.
Stewardship
Today, Fort Simon is guided by the next generation of the Uys family.
Renier leads the winery with a background in viticulture and entrepreneurship, while Simon focuses on vineyard development and farming. Their work continues the estate’s original direction — measured, deliberate and long-term.
The emphasis is on building vineyards, refining style and allowing the estate identity to emerge over time.
Recent vintages mark the estate’s ongoing development, beginning with small, carefully considered releases that signal Fort Simon’s return to estate production.
The approach remains intentionally focused as vineyards mature and the estate’s voice becomes more defined.