Thelema Mountain Vineyards

Winery Description

Location and History

Thelema Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate situated at the summit of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, within the stunning Simonsberg Mountain range. In 1983, Gyles Webb boldly decided to leave his accounting career and pursue winemaking, leading to the purchase of Thelema. This marked the beginning of a family legacy. The Manor House was meticulously restored, and the first wines under the Thelema label were launched in 1988. By the mid-1990s, Thelema's wines were in such high demand that they sold out within a month of release, establishing it as one of South Africa's most sought-after wine estates.

As Thelema in Stellenbosch continued to thrive, Gyles began searching for an additional property to establish a second vineyard. In 2002, the Webb family acquired a picturesque farm with rolling hills in the cooler Elgin region, providing ideal conditions for grape cultivation. This led to the creation of both the Thelema and Sutherland wine ranges. The Webb family describes Thelema as "one of the most beautiful places on earth" and invites visitors to experience its beauty firsthand.

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Wine Tasting

All Thelema and Sutherland wines are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The Thelema range embodies the essence of Stellenbosch, rooted in tradition and expertise. The estate's high altitude and rich red soils create the perfect environment for producing premium quality wine grapes, establishing Thelema as a leading name in Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Sutherland range showcases the tranquillity of Elgin's cool climate. Located 70 kilometers southeast of Cape Town in the Overberg region, the Elgin Valley is uniquely positioned on a high plateau surrounded by four mountain ranges, offering ideal conditions for cool climate winemaking.

Sit-down tastings are available both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. The Thelema Tasting Room features large windows overlooking the vineyards, with the Drakenstein mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Guests can also view the cellar and barrel cellar. Pre-booking is highly recommended for those wishing to sit outside during the summer.