Hazendal is a historic wine estate in Stellenbosch’s Bottelary Hills, now entering a new chapter. First established in 1699 as a wheat and livestock farm supplying the Dutch East India Company, it began planting vines in the 18th century, including Muscat and Groendruif, an early name for Semillon.
In 2016, the estate removed and replanted its vineyards after virus damaged the vines and reduced yields. It planted 12 varieties across 11.8 hectares, followed more recently by a 2.7-hectare white field blend. The 13 varieties in that vineyard were mixed together shortly before planting, creating a traditional-style field blend.
A fresh winemaking era began with the arrival of cellarmaster Kiara Scott Farmer in 2024. The 2025 vintage is the first under her direction. Hazendal makes wine exclusively from its own vineyards, which sit on the rolling, breezy Bottelary Hills. Around 15 kilometres from the ocean, the estate’s weathered granite soils, with pockets of quartz, schist and sandstone, contribute freshness and a saline edge to the wines.
Scott Farmer works closely with the vineyards, with consultant Jaco Engelbrecht, as the estate transitions to organic farming. Her approach centres on careful, repeated picking: she selects small parcels—even sections within a single vineyard—at different stages of ripeness. The grapes are harvested into small boxes and chilled overnight before processing. In the cellar, each batch’s maturity informs how it is handled, from fermentation choices to the vessels used.
The 2025 wines show a thoughtful, precise style. They are still young, and some should develop further with time. As the first vintage of this new regime, they also mark the beginning of a period of continued learning and refinement.
2025 wines
- Pinot Noir Rosé, Bottelary Hills — Juicy and fresh, with cherry and spice. Bright, supple and appealing. 92/100 (UK retail £19.99)
- Sauvignon Blanc, Bottelary Hills — Made from several picks, with portions fermented in concrete, on skins, in older barrels and in ceramic vessels. Citrus-led, bright and textured, with fresh acidity and mineral tension. 93/100 (UK retail £19.99)
- White Blend, Bottelary Hills — Marsanne and Roussanne, picked in four passes. Ripe pear and peach meet citrus, with focused texture and a mineral streak. 94/100 (UK retail £42.99)
- Chenin Blanc, Bottelary Hills — From a two-hectare block picked eight times and fermented with wild yeasts in 500-litre French oak. Expressive white-peach and pear flavours, freshness and impressive focus. 95/100 (UK retail £42.99)
- Syrah, Bottelary Hills — From a windy, high-elevation block, picked in eight passes and made using four different techniques. Floral and fresh, with black cherry, pepper, olive and a subtle salty character. 94/100 (UK retail £19.99)
- Pinotage, Bottelary Hills — Careful temperature control slows fermentation, helping preserve the fruit and avoid bitterness. Concentrated and structured, with vivid berries, purity and finesse. 94/100 (UK retail £42.99)
- Carignan, Bottelary Hills — Made from just four rows, with 30% whole-bunch fermentation and ageing in a 500-litre barrel. Supple and elegant, showing red fruit, cherry and plum. 94/100
More information is available on the Hazendal website.