CAPELANDS

Capelands is a small, elegant wine estate perched above False Bay in Somerset West, where ocean breezes, decomposed granite soils, and dry-farmed old vines converge to produce wines of remarkable finesse and European soul. Founded in 2004 by Johann Innerhofer and Laura Mauri, Capelands is deeply rooted in classical winemaking traditions, yet unmistakably South African in spirit and terroir.

The 3-hectare Redstone vineyard, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Malbec (15%), is the heart of the estate. Now over 30 years old, the vineyard is organically and dry-land farmed and yields just 3 tons per hectare. The wines are made with a light touch: natural fermentations, minimal new oak, and a deep respect for balance and structure. The result is a series of age-worthy reds, led by the flagship Redstone CR1 and its various Reserve and Grand Reserve bottlings, that are powerful yet restrained, full of character, and unmistakably site-driven.

Capelands is more than a wine farm: it is a lived philosophy. Johann, founder of the Merano Wine Festival in Italy, brings decades of tasting experience and a love for classic regions like Bordeaux, Barolo, and the Rhône.

With just 30,000 bottles produced annually and a growing cult following, Capelands is one of the Cape’s best-kept secrets, a meeting place of heritage and heartfelt winemaking.