Giannikos Winery - Spier Estate

The roots of the house Spier go back to the early years of the colony on the Cape, in 1692. In that year the original farm in Stellenbosch was founded by the German settler Arnout Janz. He was also the one who realized that the soil was very suitable for viticulture, and planted the first vines. The first grapes were pressed, and the old cellar, built in 1767, is one of the Cape's oldest wineries and is still the proud property of the domain.

But much has changed since the beginning. Today, Spier is one of South Africa's most innovative wine companies, with a cellar that has been completely modernized and expanded in recent years to deliver on its great ambitions here. And in the same light, we must see the extension of the vineyard area by 100 hectares to a total of 400 hectares, with production increasing by 100,000 boxes, more than a million bottles. To realize the total production, grapes are also bought from other producers, but all under full control of the large team of experienced and talented winemakers from Spier, led by the chief winemaker, Frans Smit. The winemakers have learned and interned all over the world, in order to make high quality wines with their experiences.

But of course history has not been forgotten, and Spier still makes wines that are an expression of their own identity, wines of the highest quality. Frans Smit wants to make wines with depth, but also with an emphasis on the fruit. By making different series, the different types of wine lovers can enjoy the wines of this company. The wines under the label 'Discovery' and 'Colors' are for the wine drinkers who like to drink a smooth wine, with a lot of emphasis on the fruit. The terroir is particularly emphasized with the wines in the Private Collection. In recent years, millions have been invested in the winery to release it and to fully adapt it to the requirements of modern winemaking. In the air-conditioned cellars there are 4,500 barrels for maturing the wines.

Winemaking is an art according to the winemakers of Spier. The grapes for the Classic Range grow in specially selected vineyards, picked at optimal maturity and vinified in such a way that all characteristics of the wines are well preserved. Light wood maturation provides an elegant background alongside the fruit notes. The grapes of the Private Collection wines are hand selected in the old, single variety vineyards. After vinification, the wines are aged in French oak barrels. Only then will the final selection of the wines take place, because only the best wines may carry the designation 'Private Collection'. Witness the many awards that Spier has won with these wines.

In addition, a special visitor center has been built, where the wines can be tasted and bought, where a meal or a picnic can be enjoyed. And the whole is also equipped with a golf course and a four-star hotel. A special project from a special company.