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Boplaas Family Vineyards

Winery Description

Location and History

Boplaas Family Vineyards in Calitzdorp has a rich history dating back to 1880 when the Nel family bought the farm and started producing brandy for export in England. In those days, taxes could be paid with brandy. After the repeal of distilling licenses in the early 1920s, their copper potstill lay dormant for nearly 70 years until it was fired up again in 1989. Since then, Boplaas has expanded its distillation to include gin and whisky, utilising a new still nicknamed The Falcon. Today, Boplaas offers a wide range of products, including brandy, whisky, gin, sparkling and fortified wines.

In the 1970's Tinta Barocca vines were planted, mistaking them for Shiraz. This fortunate accident led to the discovery of the region's suitability for Portuguese grapes. Their Portuguese collection features single varietals and blended wines showcasing the potential and diversity of traditional Portuguese varieties grown in the Cape. Carel Nel, fifth generation, joined the business in 1980 as winemaker and built the current cellar. In 2004, the sixth generation of the Nel family joined the business, with Rozanne taking on Marketing, followed by her sister Margaux as winemaker in 2007, and their brother Daniel as Distiller and Marketer in 2017.

Wine Tasting

The Klein Karoo is known for its Muscats, and Boplaas continues this tradition by producing a range of Muscats from exceptional old vines. The distillery's achievements include the Boplaas 5-Year Potstill Brandy, served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. Boplaas has earned numerous awards, including ten SA Champion Port Trophies, SA Champion titles for Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blends. The winery was named Best Cellar at the 2019 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and received multiple Veritas awards. Carel Nel, a Cape Winemakers Guild member, received a 95+ rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for his 2022 CWG Auction wine.

Restaurant

Various pairings, like the Red Wine, Port & Chocolate Pairing and a Whisky & Chocolate Pairing, are available. A platter with locally sourced cheeses and a selection of local preserves and bread can be ordered, or you can have a roosterkoek with jam.

Accommodation

Tours and Activities

For families visiting Boplaas, there is a jungle gym for the kids, and the estate is dog-friendly. They don’t offer cellar tours, but distillery tours are available. . Boplaas also has tasting rooms in Plettenberg Bay, George and Hartenbos.

Boplaas is committed to conservation, particularly preserving the Portulacaria Afra plant, known as spekboom, a highly efficient carbon sequester. The farm has over 5,000 hectares of veld under conservation in the Klein Karoo.