"Our success in winemaking rests upon our solid foundation in cultivating grapes"
Fort Simon, established in 1997 in commemoration of the hard work & passion invested in the estate by Dr. Simon Uys. The maiden vintages were produced in 1998 and consisted of two cultivars, Sauvignon Blanc and a Merlot/Pinotage blend, the latter earning the estate’s first Veritas Double Gold Medal.The cellar is housed in a fort overlooking vineyards, designed and built in 1997 by Renier Uys, the youngest son of Dr.Uys. The cellar’s building style was inspired by the German outpost architecture of Namibia, resembling a fort complete with towers, merlons, and arrow slits.The cellar can produce 900 tons of wine per annum. In our production process, we make use of stainless steel tanks to produce our unwooded white wines. French or American oak barrels are used for wooded white and most red varietals.Our wines and grapes are crafted in the ‘new-world style’ to produce bold and luscious wines, abundant with delicate fruit aromas. Our success in winemaking also rests upon our solid foundation in cultivating grapes with a hands-on approach and respecting the environment by putting as much back in as we take out.
the bottelary terroir & wines
The Bottelary area, located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, is known for its unique and high-quality wines. The region is characterized by its diverse terroir, which includes a variety of soil types and microclimates. This diversity allows for a range of grape cultivars to thrive in the area, producing wines with distinct flavour profiles.
One of the most notable cultivars grown in the Bottelary area is Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape variety is known for its bold and full-bodied wines, with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. The unique terroir of the Bottelary area allows for a long growing season, which results in the grapes reaching optimal ripeness and producing wines with a high level of complexity and depth.
Another cultivar that performs well in the Bottelary area is Shiraz. This grape variety is known for its spicy and full-bodied wines, with notes of black pepper, plum, and black cherry. The warm climate and well-draining soils of the Bottelary area are ideal for growing Shiraz, which results in wines with high levels of tannins and acidity.
The Bottelary area also produces excellent wines from other grape varieties such as Merlot, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc. These grape varieties are known for their versatility and adaptability, allowing them to thrive in a variety of soil types and climates. The result is a range of wines with distinct flavor profiles, from the rich and full-bodied reds to the crisp and refreshing whites.