“A single-minded focus, a site selected for its ideal growing conditions, and gentle extraction techniques during the wine making process all combine to create premium, full-bodied wines with the classic cabernet sauvignon cues that set apart every bottle of Ernie Els Wine.”
Louis Strydom, Winemaker
Our Story
From the world-renowned Helderberg region of Stellenbosch comes an award-winning range of wines named after South African golf legend, Ernie Els, and skilfully crafted by winemaking legend, Louis Strydom.
Epitomising the beloved character and celebrated prestige of our namesake, our four collections – Signature, Major Series, Big Easy and Proprietor’s – deliver iconic wines of characteristic style, exclusivity and generosity. Whether applauding exceptional accomplishment, upping the entertainment game or toasting great friendship, Ernie Els Wines always make it an occasion par excellence.
Estate Overview
OUR WINERY
Our winemaker’s fondness for Cabernet Sauvignon wines and blends made the location a natural choice: The Golden Triangle of Stellenbosch is globally recognised for producing exceptional red wines. Ernie Els Winery holds a prime position framed by panoramic views of Cape Town and Table Mountain to the west, Stellenbosch and the Helderberg Mountains to the east. We first opened doors in 2005 and, since our recent renovation, we continue to welcome guests and friends from all over the world to pass beyond grand granite boulders through farmhouse-style wooden doors into our spacious Tasting Room and Restaurant. The Wine Cellar with its vast concrete tanks and rows of full maturation barrels forms the vivid heart of a winery that balances enduring hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities.
OUR VINEYARDS
Our vines are planted on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, benefitting from high-potential soils and the ideal growing conditions for our favoured varieties. The slopes feature a granite mother material, high in clay content with mainly Tukulu and Oakleaf soil families. A large portion of the vineyard is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon with dedicated blocks planted facing north and north-east to absorb as much sunlight as possible. This is the key to producing the fuller and fruitier wines of Ernie Els fame.
Ernie Els Wines
The Ernie Els Signature Bordeaux-style Blend is once again extremely impressive in this classic 2014 vintage. Dark at the core with a crimson rim, it is full-bodied, elegantly endowed and finely poised.
AWARDS
- Tim Atkin – 93 Points
- Wine Magazine – 93 Points
- IWSC (London) – Gold
The Proprietor’s Blend is once again impressive and serious in 2016. Medium-to full-bodied, it is strewn with black fruits, exotic spice and shards of dark chocolate.
AWARDS
- Platter’s – Red Blend (Other) Wine of the Year
- Platter’s – 5 Star
- Vitis Vinifera – Gold
Red berry fruits billow from the glass with classic cigar notes over elegant crushed dried herbs, black cherry and ripe plums with red cherry freshness. The entry is inviting, fresh with a vibrant youthful energy of bouncy red fruit and an earthy undertow.
AWARDS
- Platter’s – 4.5 Stars
All the hallmarks of a classic Merlot with ripe plums and earthy notes supported by a core of minerality and fleshed out with ripe strawberry, forest underfloor and a hint of chocolate.
AWARDS
- Platter’s – 4 Stars
Traditionally, on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault were planted together. This blend is a combination of these two varieties, producing a softer, rounder style of wine.
The Big Easy Chenin Blanc is punchy and concentrated in the dry 2018 vintage. Ripe kumquat, summer melon, straw and hints of spice on the nose lead to a deep, fruity palate. Crisp and fresh.
The 2017 Big Easy Red Blend is arguably the most serious and riveting vintage yet. The dry vintage was conducive to producing a superbly-concentrated, beguiling wine that dazzles the senses.
Candied cherry, dried strawberry, with a light fruity and lifted floral flourish. The colour is a delicate blush hinting at the wafts of fresh watermelon and summer red berry fragrance.
