“Being selected to join the Cape Winemakers Guild is an incredible honour. It’s a milestone I’ve always hoped to achieve—not only as a winemaker, but as a son following in my father’s footsteps. Becoming part of the Guild feels like ticking one of the most meaningful boxes of my career. I’m deeply proud and extremely excited for the journey ahead.”
Danie Steytler grew up on Kaapzicht Wine Estate and is the fourth-generation Steytler winemaker on the farm. Winemaking was never a conscious career choice — when it is woven into a family’s identity, it becomes part of who you are. At Kaapzicht, he works with vines planted by his great-grandfather, farming choices made by his grandfather, and wines his father dedicated his life to.
He studied Winemaking at Stellenbosch University and, before returning home to Kaapzicht, completed several harvests around the world. His hands-on experience includes vintages at CWG legends Kevin Arnold and Gary Jordan in Stellenbosch, Saint-Émilion in France, the Pfalz in Germany, Marlborough in New Zealand, Napa Valley in California, Pangaion in Greece and Piedmont in Italy. These formative years shaped his approach to winemaking, while reinforcing the importance of staying true to origin and place.
His nomination to the Cape Winemakers Guild is a significant professional honour, made even more meaningful by the fact that his father was also a Guild member — a full-circle moment both personally and professionally.
Kaapzicht’s terroir naturally produces wines that are rich, generous and opulent in style. Danie believes great winemaking lies in finding one’s own path and aligning it with what the farm and terroir can offer. It is a delicate balance between understanding what people enjoy drinking and having the courage to maintain a clear house style rather than chasing trends.
Ultimately, his aim is simple: to make wines people genuinely want to drink. If your wine is the first bottle empty on the table, you’re doing something right.
100% Chenin Blanc
Wine of Origin Bottelary, Stellenbosch
This old bush vine vineyard was planted by Danie’s great-grandfather in 1947. The vineyard has been registered as a single vineyard, making it the second-oldest Chenin Blanc block in the country. Originally 6 hectares in size, only 1.1 hectares of this very low-yielding, unirrigated vineyard remains, continuing to produce fruit of exceptional character and heritage.
Tasting Notes: The wine displays aromatics of delicate citrus peel and orange blossom, followed by deeper notes of untoasted almond. These aromas are underpinned by finely judged oak and flinty reduction, adding complexity and intrigue. The palate is saline, textured and rich, with a depth and persistence that carry through to a long, satisfying finish.
Ready for drinking in 3 to 5 years, ageing for 8 to 10 years under optimal conditions.
Winemaker: Winemaker (Link to his profile)
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