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Kanonkop Wine Estate vineyards at sunset, with a historic cannon in the foreground and the Simonsberg Mountains in the background, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Kanonkop

Kanonkop is one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates, famed as the birthplace of Pinotage. Once part of the historic Uitkyk farm and the inheritance of former Prime Minister Paul Sauer, it remains family-owned by his grandsons. From its first pioneering plantings to its world-class releases today, Kanonkop has become a benchmark for quality and character.

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Heritage and ownership

Rooted in Stellenbosch history, Kanonkop was originally part of the Uitkyk farm before passing into the hands of Paul Sauer. Today, his grandsons continue his legacy, maintaining the estate’s reputation for producing wines of depth, elegance and longevity. The wines rival some of the best in the world yet remain excellent value. They offer the rare combination of craftsmanship, heritage and affordability, making them a must-have for collectors and everyday drinkers alike.

The birthplace of Pinotage

Kanonkop made history by planting South Africa’s first Pinotage vines — a crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir. This pioneering spirit established the estate as the ultimate reference point for the variety, producing rich, complex wines that age gracefully. Winemaker Beyers Truter has been dubbed South Africa’s “Pinotage King”. His passion for the grape is legendary — he often jokes that if he weren’t married to his wife Esmé, he’d be married to Pinotage. Sourcing fruit from mature bush vines, he crafts wines with intensity and structure, matured in generous new oak for added complexity.