THE ESTATE
Mooiplaas Wine Estate and Private Nature Reserve is situated among the majestic mountains and fertile valleys in the Stellenbosch Winelands, approximately 40km east of Cape Town. Mooiplaas is a historic and traditional working wine farm. The vineyards lie on steep slopes of ancient mineral-rich soils in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, overlooking Cape Town.
Here Tielman and Louis Roos produce a range of environmentally friendly wines rooted in tradition and artisan techniques that make the most of the unique terroir.
LOCATION
Situated in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, there is a difference of approximately 235 m between the highest and the lowest areas on the estate. From the highest point of the estate (370 m above sea level) one has a panoramic view over the Cape Peninsula, with False Bay to the left and Table Bay to the right.
VINEYARDS
Mooiplaas Wine Estate & Private Nature Reserve uses an environmentally friendly and biodiversity approach to produce premium quality grapes each year. With the advantage of growing up on the farm and farming since 1980, the viticulturist, Tielman Roos, knows every intimate detail of the estate and the terroir.
One of the most striking features of Mooiplaas is the uneven terrain, from the meadows on the valley floor to the watershed on top of the hills. These topographical contrasts result in interesting differences in the microclimate. The different slopes and varying heights are the most important factors to consider when Tielman takes that first critical decision: the combination of cultivar and rootstock for each terroir. Cape Granite, the mother material of the soils on the estate, is prominently displayed as outcrops and domes along the hills. It is the weathering of this volcanic rock that gives rise to the soil on the farm.
Mooiplaas covers an area of 243 hectares, of which approximately 100 hectares are planted with vineyards and 70 hectares are dedicated to the Mooiplaas Private Nature Reserve.
CELLAR
When it comes to winemaking, our cellar master, Louis Roos, is a true purist. He uses a range of classic and traditional winemaking processes to produce the Mooiplaas wines, such as wild yeast, natural fermentation, light filtration and maturation in small oak barrels.
“To produce premium wines you have to follow the ‘classic’ approach,” says Louis.
“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.”
We believe that wine should be authentic, elegant, well balanced and structured while showing its vibrance and fullness of flavour. It must add joy to life!