Mooiplaas Wine Estate

"We believe that wine should be authentic."

Roos family

The Mooiplaas Wine Estate was acquired by Nicolaas Roos in 1963. Since the 1980s, his sons Tielman and Louis Roos have been running the historic estate. Since 1995, a private nature reserve of 70 ha has also been part of the estate.

The cultivation area in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch with a view of Cape Town is about 100 ha. It is characterised by strong variations in altitude and orientation. The choice of varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but also Merlot, Shiraz, Sémillon or Chenin Blanc) is adapted in detail to the different microclimates. The vines are planted on mineral-rich, weathered volcanic rock.

In production, the brothers attach great importance to traditional methods and an ecological approach that promotes biodiversity.

When it comes to winemaking, cellar master Louis Roos sees himself as a "true purist". Thus, he relies on wild yeasts, natural fermentation, only light filtration and maturation in small oak barrels. To produce premium wines, Roos says, one must follow the "classic approach": "Use the best grapes from the best vineyards with minimal interference during the winemaking process. That will give you wines that are distinctive and expressive of place and vintage."