Our Philosophy
To produce soft, rich, yet elegant wines that all have the ability to age and retain brightness of fruit – wines that are timeless, classic and fresh. This is achieved through combining decades of in-depth knowledge of our terroir with constant innovation and attention to detail.
Hartenberg’s holistic approach encompasses all aspects of the farm, including everyone who lives and works here. The Mackenzie family, owners of the estate since 1986, strive continuously to safeguard Hartenberg and their philosophy to “leave Hartenberg in a better condition than when we started”.
Our Wine
All our wines are produced, bottled and packaged on the estate and we are known for our red wines, in particular Shiraz, although our Chardonnays have increasingly garnered attention too.
Our underground cellar, the largest privately owner cellar in South Africa, affords us the perfect environment to age our wines for a few years before their release.
Our Farm
Nestled in a valley on the free-draining, north-eastern slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, Hartenberg enjoys a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Our vineyards face north, west, and east, with varietals planted to take advantage of either morning or afternoon sun. There is a difference in altitude of some 250 metres between the northern and southern vineyards.
Our People
Overseeing all aspects of winemaking and sustainability at Hartenberg is our Cellar Master Carl Schultz who has been with us since 1994. He is assisted by winemaker Patrick Mgamane (since 2000), viticulturist Wilhelm Joubert (since 2006), bottling & labelling manager & assistant winemaker Oscar Robyn (since 2001).
Carl firmly believes that “wine doesn’t like change” and Hartenberg’s history of retaining staff ensures that the knowledge of our team grows each year, and this is reflected in the increasing quality of our wines.
Carl Schultz
Cellar Master
Patrick Mgamane
Winemaker
Wilhelm Joubert
Viticulturist
Oscar Robyn
Bottling & labelling Manager & Assistant Winemaker
Our History
1692
1704
1838
1928
1948
1977
1987
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692.
Even then the wine-bearing potential of the soil was recognised and one of the first tasks that the two partners undertook was the clearing of the land to plant 2 000 vines.
Conservation Farming
It is a known fact that climate change is a reality and for the Western Cape in South Africa this means temperatures are increasing and rainfall is decreasing. We have to plan and adapt now to ensure the longevity of our estate, its people and our wines.
