Simonsig History

Since French Huguenot Jacques Malan first set foot in the Cape Winelands in 1688, the Malan family of Simonsig, one of South Africa’s most reputable wine producers, has leaped to acclaimed heights in pioneering wine excellence.

Endowed with quintessential terroir, progressive winemaking skills and a proud heritage, the three Malan brothers uphold a passionate commitment towards quality and innovation the hallmark of the Simonsig portfolio. A legendary landmark in its own right, Simonsig continues to reap rewards for its extensive range of formidable red, white and sparkling wines, as the Malan family winemaking legacy lives on. Crafted by family tradition. Enjoyed by connoisseur and novice alike.

Simonsig Estate upholds the legendary status of pioneering wine excellence shaped by the Malan dynasty’s devotion to quality and innovative winemaking.

Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Here the cool maritime Mediterranean climate and quintessential terroir flawlessly intertwine to create world
class wines.

Since French Huguenot Jacques Malan first set foot in the Cape Winelands in 1688, the knowledge imparted over more than ten generations has equipped the Malan family to excel as one of the leading private producers of estate wines in South Africa.

The late Frans Malan, beloved patriarch of the Malan Family and pioneer of the South African wine industry, was not only a craftsman of superior wines, but introduced numerous Simonsig ‘firsts’ leaving an indelible legacy in the Cape Winelands.

From humble beginnings on the De Hoop farm in 1953 and inspired by Frans Malan’s foresight and quest for unsurpassed quality, Simonsig has grown into a successful family business with a proud heritage. His groundbreaking innovations include South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel more than 30 years ago bottle fermented sparkling wine made in the style of French champagne as well as the first South African Rhine Riesling and wooded whites.

Frans Malan was also one of the three founders of the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first of its kind in Africa, introducing local cellars to wine lovers and tourists from all over the world since 1971.