Heritage | Our Story | Spier Wine Farm Stellenbosch

Ourheritage

In 1692, Spier was one of the very first farms to be established in Stellenbosch. Today, as you wander around our farm, you’ll find the old alongside the new: a beautifully restored Manor, an array of 21 Cape Dutch gables – more than any other farm in the country – and the oldest dated wine cellar in South Africa. Ancient oaks, first planted in 1682, still stand sentinel over our gardens and vineyards.

From our award-winning wines to our contemporary art collection, heritage at Spier isn’t preserved in amber – it’s alive and evolving. Our historic buildings host intimate and innovative wine tastings, our centuries-old wine tradition embraces regenerative farming, and our spaces showcase South African artists who help us reflect on both past and future.

Our history

The story of this land began long before Spier, with the San hunter-gatherers and the Cochoqua people of the Khoikhoi nations who grazed their livestock along our rivers. In 1692, Governor Simon van der Stel granted the first title deed to Arnoud Jansz, establishing one of Stellenbosch’s first wine farms. By 1754, over 30,000 vines flourished here, marking Spier as one of the region’s most significant wine producers.

Since 1993, the Enthoven family has guided Spier’s evolution with a clear vision: honouring our past while building a more inclusive future. We acknowledge all chapters of our history – from the establishment of the Stellenbosch Wine Route in 1971 to the painful legacy of slavery in early Cape wine farming. Today, this understanding shapes our commitment to ethical farming, community upliftment, and the nurturing of South African arts and culture.

Where it all began

7000 yrs ago

Long before Spier was a name, the area was home to the hunter-gatherer San people. Their history is a vital part of our land’s story.

Where it all began

500 AD

The Cochoqua people of the pastoral khoikhoi nations graze their livestock in the region, and build their homesteads (kraals) along the rivers.

Where it all began

1652

The Cape of Good Hope was founded by Dutch navigator Jan van Riebeeck, leading to the first vines being planted in the Cape.

Where it all began

1682

Stellenbosch became known for its majestic oaks, planted on the advice of Simon van der Stel. Many of these ancient oaks still grow on Spier today, including the grand oak at the heart of our werf. They stand alongside other indigenous species like the Cape Willow, Wild Peach, and Breede River Yellowwood, as well as various reeds and sedges. These trees and plants are living links to the farm’s early colonial history.

Where it all began

1692

Governor Simon van der Stel signs the first Spier Title Deed when granting the property to Arnoud Jansz.

Where it all began

1825

The Slave Bell, built by Andries Christoffel Van der Byl near the Eerste River, was a product of a time when the estate relied heavily on the labour of a great number of slaves to harvest grapes from its 80,000 vines. Today, this bell stands on our farm not just as a historical artefact, but as a poignant reminder of a painful past. Its presence symbolises our ongoing commitment to acknowledging and addressing the injustices of history as we strive towards a future of equality and respect.

Where it all began

1971

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is established by Neil Joubert from Spier, Frans Malan from Simonsig and Spatz Sperling from Delheim.

Where it all began

2015

Following a three-year conversion process initiated in 2011, the Spier farm is organically certified in 2014 and harvests its first organic grapes in 2015.

Where it all began