Saxenburg Wine Farm
Saxenburg is one of the oldest and prestigious wine farms in South Africa. It's story is a rich tapestry dating back to 1693 when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to a free burger from Germany, Joachim Sax. Sax arrived in the Cape from Egeln, near Magdeburg. The exact date of Joachim's arrival is not known as official records of the day were sketchy. Africa was a wild and untamed place when Sax first made his way up to the hills above the Kuils River, some 30 kilometres east of the Dutch settlement at the "Cape of Good Hope"
In 1699 Governor Simon van der Stel had retired, to be succeeded by his son, the ambitious and controversial Willem Adriaan. On 26 September 1704 Willem Adriaan van der Stel signed a deed granting Joachim Sax full and free ownership of a piece of land situated one hour ( probably by wagon ) from De Kuilen, under the flagpole on the road to the Hottentots-Holland in the Stellenbosch District. The future Saxenburg as surveyed was 59 morgen, 510 roods ( approximately 140 hectares ) in extent.
Joachim Sax apparently did not enjoy his freehold land for long, and a mere six months later, on 14 March 1705, we find the farm registered in the names of one Olof Bergh and his son Albertus. The name Saxenburg developed from these early pioneers.
The Saxenburg homestead was built in 1701, and is considered to be one of the Cape's most interesting homesteads. There were several rare features about the house - it had a high flight of steps leading to the front door, but the veranda covered only one - third of the façade width. The other rare feature of the house was that the entrance door had no fanlight. The gable was also unique with its rather understated flowing outline.
Saxenburg's renaissance came in 1989 when the farm was purchased by Adrian and his wife Birgit Bührer. They decided on Saxenburg as Adrian could see the potential of the farm, which had become rundown in the 1980's. They, along with their close working team, have revived the proud family tradition of Saxenburg's historic past.
After rebuilding Saxenburg, to the top class and prestigious wine farm it is today, Adrian and Birgit felt they needed a new challenge. So, together with Cellarmaster Nico van der Merwe , they decided on Château Capion situated in the Languedoc not to far from Montpollier in the South of France.
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Polkadraai Road
Cape Town
Stellenbosch
7579
South Africa
- Regions
Stellenbosch - Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage - White Varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier
- Winemaker :
Nico van der Merwe - Owners :
Adriaan Buhrer, Birgit Buhrer - Established Date :
1693
Mulderbosch Vineyards
Waterkloof
The Winery of Good Hope
Lovane Boutique Wine Estate
Heron Ridge Wines
Eikendal Vineyards
-
Polkadraai Road
Cape Town
Stellenbosch
7579
South Africa
- Regions
Stellenbosch - Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage - White Varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier