De Toren Private Cellar

De Toren Private Cellar ranks among the finest South African wineries. From its iconic location in Stellenbosch, De Toren crafts elegant Bordeaux-style blends with international allure. These wines combine power, finesse, and ageing potential – a perfect reflection of the terroir and craftsmanship behind this renowned estate.

From dream to icon: the history of De Toren

In the early 1990s, Emil and Sonette den Dulk left their busy lives in Johannesburg to pursue a new dream among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. They discovered an exceptional hillside in the Polkadraai Hills with views of False Bay and Table Mountain. The combination of elevation, sea breezes, and complex soils proved perfect for producing refined Bordeaux-style reds. In 1999, the first wine from De Toren Private Cellar was released, immediately establishing the estate among the top wineries in South Africa. Today, De Toren stands as a benchmark for modern, elegant South African wine with a truly global reputation.

The terroir of De Toren: Polkadraai Hills

The vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar are located on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills – one of the coolest and most sought-after areas of Stellenbosch. The proximity to False Bay provides a steady ocean breeze that moderates the heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly. This results in wines with a natural balance of power and freshness. The elevation of around 200 metres and the diversity of soils – from weathered granite to clay and sandstone – lend each wine its own distinctive character and depth.

Grape varieties and vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar

De Toren focuses exclusively on red grape varieties. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot – the five classic Bordeaux grapes. Each variety is carefully matched to the soil that best suits it. The poor, stony soils encourage deep root growth, producing grapes of remarkable concentration and aromatic depth. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, often in the early morning to preserve freshness. Each parcel is vinified separately and transferred by gravity, avoiding the use of pumps. This gentle handling ensures maximum purity and elegance in the finished wine.

Winemaking philosophy and style

De Toren’s philosophy revolves around precision and respect for the fruit. The winemaking process is meticulous, with each vineyard block fermented and aged individually. The wines mature in French oak barrels of the highest quality, with a thoughtful balance between new and seasoned wood. The result is a collection of wines showing layered aromas of cassis, plum, spice, and cedar, supported by silky tannins. They combine Bordeaux structure with the sun-drenched charm of South Africa – elegant, balanced, and built to age gracefully.

Did you know…?

• The name “De Toren” refers to the white tower on the estate, which houses a unique gravity-flow system allowing the wine to move gently from tank to barrel without pumps or pressure.
• The granite soils of Polkadraai are over 500 million years old – among the oldest in the world – adding a distinct mineral tension to the wines.
• Each grape undergoes more than twenty quality checks before reaching the fermentation tanks, ensuring only the best fruit is used.
• Yields are deliberately kept low to achieve maximum concentration and perfect balance.

Order De Toren Private Cellar wines at Grandcruwijnen

The wines from De Toren Private Cellar are available at Grandcruwijnen. All bottles are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse to ensure optimal preservation. Ordering is easy via our online shop, with home delivery or the option to pick up your order at our wine store in Dordrecht. When collecting in person, you’ll benefit from an attractive discount. Experience the finesse of Stellenbosch wines – perfectly stored and selected by our team of wine experts.