Nestled in a valley on the free-draining, north-eastern slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, Hartenberg enjoys a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Their vineyards face north, west, and east, with varietals planted to take advantage of either morning or afternoon sun. There is a difference in altitude of some 250 metres between the northern and southern vineyards.

Hartenberg’s regenerative approach to farming encompasses all aspects of the farm, including everyone who lives and works here. The Mackenzie family, owners of the estate since 1986, strive continuously to safeguard Hartenberg and their philosophy to “leave Hartenberg in a better condition than when we started”.

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s most prestigious wine region, located about 50 km east of Cape Town and bordered by dramatic mountain ranges. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Cooling sea breezes from False Bay and the Atlantic help to moderate temperatures, particularly in coastal and elevated vineyards, preserving acidity and extending the growing season. However, increasingly frequent droughts and heatwaves pose challenges, making careful water management essential.

Soils in Stellenbosch are varied and include decomposed granite, sandstone and shale, often with good drainage and abundant mineral content. These diverse soils, combined with distinct topographies, create a mosaic of terroirs across the region. Key sub-areas include Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Helderberg, Bottelary and Jonkershoek Valley, each offering different exposures and microclimates.

The region is renowned for its red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives on the well-drained slopes and produces structured, ageworthy wines with aromas of blackcurrant, plum and cedar. Merlot, Syrah and Bordeaux blends are also widely planted. On the white side, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are the most important varieties, yielding fresh, aromatic styles with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and gooseberry. Some producers also craft complex barrel-aged Chardonnay.

Stellenbosch wines typically show ripe fruit intensity balanced by freshness and a subtle mineral or herbal edge, reflecting the region’s maritime influence and complex geology.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and versatile white grape varieties, originating from the Burgundy region of France. It is a relatively adaptable vine, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, making it widely planted across the globe. Chardonnay ripens early to mid-season and is known for its ability to express terroir, as well as respond well to a variety of winemaking techniques, including oak ageing and malolactic fermentation.

Today, Chardonnay is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country. In France, it shines in Burgundy’s Chablis (crisp, mineral-driven) and Côte de Beaune (rich, complex), and is also a key component of Champagne. In the New World, regions like California, Australia (Yarra Valley, Margaret River), New Zealand, and Chile produce diverse expressions, ranging from lean and citrusy to full-bodied and buttery.

Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to show green apple, lemon, and flinty notes, while warmer regions yield riper flavours like tropical fruit, peach, and melon. Oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit vanilla, toast, and nutty characteristics, while unoaked versions highlight freshness and purity of fruit.

This remarkable flexibility makes Chardonnay a favourite among winemakers and wine lovers alike, offering a wide spectrum of styles and flavours.