A Wine Journey to Thelema

A Wine Journey Between Stellenbosch and Elgin

Thelema and Sutherland belong together – yet could hardly be more excitingly different.

Thelema Mountain Vineyards is situated on the spectacular Simonsberg in Stellenbosch and is home to the wines of the original estate. Since the 1980s, Gyles Webb has developed Thelema into one of the best-known names in the South African wine world.

Sutherland Vineyards later marked the beginning of a very different chapter. In search of the right location for distinctive cool-climate wines, Gyles Webb discovered a small orchard in the Elgin Valley. Just a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, the area enjoys significantly cooler conditions – ideal for producing wines with freshness, depth and complexity.

Our wine journey brings these two worlds together. On the one hand, the powerful, sun-kissed origins of Stellenbosch; on the other, the cool, maritime influence of Elgin.

Together, Thelema and Sutherland demonstrate just how differently wines from the same family of estates can express themselves when origin and climate speak in their own distinct language.

This collection is therefore more than a selection of wines from one winemaking family: it is a journey through two of South Africa’s distinctive wine regions.

Our tip: Taste a wine from Stellenbosch and one from Elgin side by side – the contrast in character and freshness makes for a particularly fascinating comparison.