Boplaas Family Vineyards

Boplaas family vineyards since 1880

Boplaas is situated in a small picturesque village in the Southern Cape Province of South Africa, approximately 450 km from Cape Town, in the majestic Little Karoo.

The Nel family is part of a rich legacy that reaches back to more than 150 years.

Their love and passion for the Wine Industry originated in 1880 when Carel’s great-grandfather, Danie, started to distil Potstill brandy for export – in barrels – to London.

The Boplaas Potstill Brandy was chosen for a state banquet hosted by former president, Nelson Mandela.
Boplaas is a family concern with Carel Nel, a Cape Wine Master, as owner and cellar master.

Boplaas has long been regarded as in the forefront in premium wine production.
Boplaas is known for world-class Ports and their award winning pot-stilled brandies”.
Boplaas was just recently selected as the best cellar in South Africa by Veritas, by winning 3 double gold and 2 Gold awards. Boplaas has won the SA Champion Trophy for its 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 Vintage Port at the SA Young Wine Show of 2006.

For 6 consecutive years, Boplaas has emerged as the best Port in the annual Wine Magazine Port contest.

In 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012 the famed Boplaas Cape Vintage Port won the prestigious Peter Schultz Excellence Port Trophy.

The range includes Cape White Port, Cape Ruby Port, Cape Tawny Port, Chocolate Port, Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve Port.

A first in history – An elephant assist Boplaas in producing wine

For thousands of years man has helped produce wine through treading the grapes with his feet. For the first time in history – an elephant is used to help produce wine through treading the grapes with his feet.

The treading process took place on Tuesday, 5 February at the Knysna Elephant Park, where Harry, the elephant has been trained by qualified staff for the past three weeks. Harry, who is 22 years old, especially enjoys Chardonnay and Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Before the treading took place, Harry’s feet was washed and sterilized. During the treading process, Harry could not resist helping himself to some grapes, for all his hard work.

The juice was transported to Boplaas, where it has been incorporated as a part of the traditional vinified portion.

Part of the proceeds will be donated towards elephant research projects and conservation. In the presence of these magnificent animals that radiate sheer energy, it is good to know that small gestures help build awareness towards there presence in Knysna and South Africa.

Today, this Klein Karoo thriving community is known as the “Port Wine Capital of South Africa

Why are the Port-wines of Calitzdorp so good?

Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry, climate such as that of Calitzdorp.

There are quite a lot of similarities between the climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro vally in Portugal.

The poor, well-drained soils of Calitzdorp, where vines struggle to ripen, are very suitable for Port production.

These port-wines are produced from internationally recognized port grape varieties such as Tinta Barocca and Touriga Nacional.

A blend of these varieties enhances the aroma-intensity, depth and complexity of these port-wines.

Last, but by no means least the dedication of the port-makers is pivotal in the production of these prizewinning ports, made in the classic tradition of a high alcohol and relatively low sugar content.

Calitzdorp, South Africa’s Port Capital is on the R62 Scenic Route, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo, or Kannaland as it is better known, 50km from Oudtshoorn, 110km from George and 380km from Cape Town.

Boplaas Rødvine

Boplaas Portvine

No products found
[/grid_12]