Steenberg Vineyards

Steenberg Vineyards traces its origins to 1682 when the land was granted to Catharina Ras, the first female landowner in South Africa. Initially called Swaaneweide, or the feeding place of swans, the estate was renamed Steenberg in honor of the mountain that overlooks the property. While the farm was established in the late 17th century, wine production commenced in 1695 under the ownership of Frederik Russouw. The Louw family held the estate for nearly three centuries before it was sold to Johannesburg Consolidated Investments in 1990. In 2005, the property was acquired by the Beck family, who also own Graham Beck Wines. Today, the estate is part of Beck Family Estates, managed by Antony Beck and the Graham Beck 2011 Family Trust.

The estate encompasses approximately 60 hectares of vineyards located in the cool climate Constantia Valley. These vines are planted on ancient decomposed granite soils that date back over 500 million years. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the southern eastern slopes of the Constantia mountains provide reliable winter rainfall and cooling sea breezes. These conditions allow for slow ripening and high natural acidity in the grapes. Winemaking is currently led by Cellar Master Elunda Basson, who joined the producer in 2019. The production philosophy focuses on sustainable farming and the belief that quality is established in the vineyard. The cellar uses modern technology to preserve the mineral complexity and fresh fruit profiles derived from the granite terroir.

Steenberg is primarily recognized for its performance with white varietals, specifically Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The flagship white wine is Magna Carta, a Bordeaux style blend of these two grapes. The estate also produces The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc and a range of Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines under the 1682 label, including a Blanc de Blancs and a Pinot Noir Rosé. Red wine production includes the Catharina blend and a single varietal Merlot that earned a Platinum Award at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards. As the oldest registered farm in the Cape, Steenberg holds a significant position in South African viticultural history and remains a benchmark producer for the Constantia ward.