Mont du Toit Kelder
Winery Description
Location and History
Mont du Toit Kelder lies at the foot of the Hawequa mountain in Wellington, bordering Paarl, at the heart of wine production in South Africa, some 65 kilometres north-north-east of Cape Town. Wine farming is a du Toit tradition, and members of the family have been wine farming for more than 300 years in the Cape. The French Huguenot founder of the family established a farm near what is now Wellington in 1691 – then a wild, untamed land abounding in game – and planted the first vines in the area.
Stephan du Toit, who has had Mont du Toit since 1996, continues that tradition, inspired by his childhood memories of his father’s wine farm. His father, also a trained lawyer, had in turn inherited his love of the vine from his childhood in the Swartland. Notwithstanding his city workplace, he would rise at 4am, often with Stephan, to visit his vineyards on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.
A visit to the estate affords beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and we welcome tastings on weekdays, by appointment only.
*** DRIVING DIRECTIONS ***
To reach the farm, take the R301 from Paarl to Wellington, which leads directly into the town. Just after the bend in the road, take the exit right into Blouvlei Street. Cross the first stop and carry on straight. At the Hugenote High school turn left into Generaal Hertzog Boulevard. Continue to the Stop and then turn right. Follow this road for approximately 2 kilometres; Mont du Toit will be on the left (it’s a discrete sand road turnoff).
Wine Tasting
The 26 hectares of vineyards are nestled at the foot of the Hawequa mountain, below the Du Toits Kloof Pass. Only red varieties have been planted, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, and Tinta Barocca. The first vintage of the flagship Mont du Toit was produced in 1998, and upon its release two years later, it was rated the second-best joint venture wine in the world by the English magazine Wine. Numerous other accolades have followed since then.
Mont du Toit produce a number of wine ranges. The Mont du Toit Range includes 3 wines: their flagship namesake red blend, plus two limited quantity single cultivar reds: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They also produce 5 red wines under the everyday Les Coteaux Range, designed to offer outstanding value for money. In exceptional years a very limited quantity of ‘Le Sommet’ (“the peak”) is produced, which displays all the qualities of the flagship Mont du Toit but with a special refinement and natural fullness. A special wine for a very special occasion. Finally the farm also produces a small number of non-reds under the La Colline Range: a Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé.
Wine tasting is by appointment only.
Restaurant
Accommodation
Tours and Activities
Walking tours, vineyard tours and cellar tours are possible during the week – please contact the farm in advance to discuss your needs, as part of your pre-booked wine tasting experience.