WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD!

Neethlingshof Wine Estate has stood as a Stellenbosch icon since 1692, with its renowned Pine Avenue and Cape Dutch manor house serving as daily reminders of a long and remarkable history. Across centuries, the estate has carefully balanced heritage with innovation, producing wines that reflect an honest sense of place and progress.  In 2023, that balance entered an exciting new chapter with Mika Engelbrecht’s appointment as head winemaker.

Just a few years into her career, Mika has already distinguished herself in the South African wine industry.  2024 marked a breakthrough year for Mika, who was honoured among WineLand Media’s 30 Under 30, and crowned Diners Club’s Young Winemaker of the Year!  Her philosophy is a careful balance between respecting Neethlingshof’s deeply rooted traditions, while introducing subtle refinements that keep the wines vibrant and relevant for today’s drinkers.

When I asked how she approaches winemaking at a 330-year-old estate, Mika was quick to point out that she isn’t here to reinvent the wheel.  “Neethlingshof is known for a certain kind of quality, and for a certain style of wine”, she explained.  “It’s about fine adjustments, not changing everything.  You want to showcase what Neethlingshof has to offer, not just what Mika has to offer”.  I found this rather impressive.  Most young, ambitious winemakers can’t wait to dive in, eager to put their stamp on things and make changes from the start.  It’s about making a statement.  However, Mika’s thoughtful and restrained approach not only shows commitment to the Neethlingshof brand, it shows a real sense of maturity.

This respect for continuity definitely doesn’t mean avoiding experimentation!  Recent vintages have seen her trial new yeast strains for Sauvignon Blanc, picking certain blocks earlier to build freshness, and testing different types of oak for maturation, all while still maintaining that trademark Neethlingshof style.  As Mika put it, “it’s about placing more building blocks on the table, and creating possibilities that add dimension, and further character to our wines”.  

Thanks to Neethlingshof’s varied soils and slopes, Mika can explore a wide range of styles and expressions.  The estate ranges from approximately 90 to just under 300 meters above sea level, with different slopes benefiting from the morning and afternoon sun.  These variations allow for thoughtful planting decisions, from premium bush vine Pinotage at higher elevations, to Sauvignon Blanc thriving on the cooler, south-facing slopes.  All Neethlingshof wines have that “silver thread” kind of consistency to them.  They all smell and taste of their terroir, and of their cellar.  This is something Neethlingshof does so very well.  Their winemaking recipe is built around capturing a sense of home in every wine they bottle.

“We’re constantly re-evaluating which blocks are best suited for each cultivar”, Mika noted.  “Some vineyards reach their peak and then taper off, while others surprise us with incredible concentration and purity of fruit.  It’s all about matching the site to the right grape cultivar and style”.  This is something I’ve mentioned before.  It’s such a vital component when coming down to the production of world-class wine.  Yes, it’s easier said than done, of course.  This action obviously requires investment, but, if a producer/brand is in this game for the long run, and they want to be recognised as a reputable producer, this should be their first port of call.  Happy vine, happy wine!

Few wines capture Neethlingshof’s identity better than The Owl Post Pinotage.  Named after the spotted eagle-owls that nest in the estate’s tall blue-gum posts, this wine tells both a story of terroir and sustainability.

Mika highlighted that the fruit is sourced from older bush vine Pinotage blocks at the highest point of the farm.  These vines yield fruit of amazing intensity, delivering a Pinotage that’s rich, powerful, concentrated, and layered.  A touch of Hungarian oak adds spicy, roasted coffee and nutmeg notes, setting it apart from the more typical French-oak expressions found in and around Stellenbosch.  She also told me that going ahead, they would be blending younger Pinotage fruit with the older vine portion.  Reason being that the different components will create further complexity, character and intrigue.  There will be and added vibrancy to that superior concentration we’ve all learned to love. You’ve obviously heard this very popular saying before: A blend is greater than the sum of its individual parts. It’s a saying because it’s true! Apparently, the trade can’t get enough of this wine. 

“The Owl Post shows Pinotage at its best”, Mika said.  “It’s different, but it’s still very true to Neethlingshof.  People either love or hate Pinotage, but The Owl Post has a way of winning them over”.  Personally, I’ve tried this wine a few times before.  It really is as good as Neethingshof makes it out to be.  And, with Pinotage month fast approaching (October), I’d suggest keeping your eyes fixed on their socials for some really exciting Pinotage offers.

Sidenote: Can you believe that the South African wine industry will be celebrating 100 years of Pinotage this year?!  Extraordinary!  Get ready for one hell of a celebration!

The owl itself isn’t just a name on a label.  These birds play a practical role in vineyard health, preying on rodents, reducing the need for chemical interventions.  The wine is both an ambassador of the estate’s biodiversity efforts and a showcase of South Africa’s signature black grape varietal.

Environmental stewardship remains a priority to Neethlingshof’s philosophy.  More than 40% of the farm is set aside for natural vegetation, and careful use of cover crops, composting, and recycling form part of daily operations.  Vineyard prunings remain in the rows to prevent erosion, while guinea fowl and owls naturally manage pests.

Neethlingshof’s efforts have been recognised with WWF Conservation Champion status, yet Mika stresses that true sustainability must go beyond a badge and deliver meaningful change.  “It’s about closing loops, using what the vineyard gives us, and us ultimately giving back to the land”.

The estate’s celebrated Short Story Collection will soon be joined by a new addition, further blending Neethlingshof’s heritage and conservation ethos into each bottle.  Mika is also overseeing the revival of the 1802 Collection.  I can’t reveal too much just yet, but it’s set to showcase a modern, and delicious expression of the Cape…

For Mika, these projects are as much about storytelling as they are about winemaking. “Nine out of ten people buy into the story before the technical details”, she reflected.  “If you can connect emotionally, the wine has already made an impact”.

As one of the few young female head winemakers in South Africa, Mika is aware of her role in shaping both Neethlingshof’s future and the industry’s.  However, rather than dwelling on titles or expectations, she defines herself as a winemaker dedicated to continuing the work of those who came before her (while making necessary tweaks along the way, naturally)!

When asking her about figures within the industry who inspired/gave her valuable advice (which she still uses in her everyday personal, and working life), she was quick to give props to both De Wet Viljoen and Lauren Snyman-Behrens.

Winning Young Winemaker of the Year may have validated her talent, but Mika views it as motivation rather than a destination.  “It’s just one vintage”, she said.  “The goal is consistency.  To keep producing wines that reflect our terroir, our heritage, and our team’s hard work”.

From the historic Pine Avenue, to the animals that inspired some of its most beloved wines, Neethlingshof has always been a place where history and nature are able to co-exist, harmoniously.  With the formidable, visionary company, Grands Chais de France (GCF group) recently acquiring the Stellenbosch estate, and with Mika Engelbrecht now guiding the cellar, the estate looks assured to enter a new era.  This is the new Neethlingshof. And, if you aren’t yet paying attention, you should be!

The past 330 years have laid the foundation.  The next chapter promises to be just as inspiring.

Buy their wines here.