Vineyard

Scholtzenhof is one of the very oldest wine farms in the Cape, originally granted as Zandberg in 1689, just ten years after Stellenbosch was founded. The original land, 64 morgen, was given by Governer Simon van der Stel to Frederick Boot, of Gotha near Wagenheim in Germany, who later changed his name to Botha. History tells us this Botha is the forefather of the illustrious family of presidents, first of the Free State Republic and more recently the old Republic of South Africa.

Mr. Boot was a colourful character, a
soldier who had completed his contract and hence a 'free burger'. He established the first documented agricultural partnership in the Cape with Jan Cornelisz ( Jan Bombam) and fathered no fewer than eight children - out of wedlock which earned he and his mistress banishment to Mauritius for 10 years!

Prior to that, however, Zandberg in 1692 was recorded to have 12 000 vines planted and construction on a house began that same year. One of the few remaining examples of 17th century buildings left in the Cape. For the last 100 years or so quality grapes have been delivered to De Helderberg Co-op, but in 1994 we pressed a small quantity of our Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and with the help and support of Mike Dobrovic, of Mulderbosch fame produced the first Scholtzenhof \ Ken Forrester wine, Blanc Fume 1994. These grapes were fermented in new French and American oak barrels and kept on the lees for an extended period before bottling, resulting in a rich complex wine with prominent oak aged characteristics.

In 1995 we added a partially wood fermented Chenin Blanc to the range. Not just a fruity, upfront, happy, quaffing wine - we specifically endeavored to produce Chenin Blanc to stand a class apart, in a different style. A wine of complex structure and discernible character, the ideal accompaniment to fine food.

Currently, the range of Ken Forrester Wines enjoy the skills of Martin Meinert who presides over each harvest and in conjunction with Ken ensures that these wines will always be quality individuals.