Boekenhoutskloof – Syrah, Cabernet and The Chocolate Block in Franschhoek

Wine estate for Syrah, Semillon and Cabernet in the valley of Franschhoek

Boekenhoutskloof is a wine estate for Syrah, Semillon and Cabernet in the valley of Franschhoek. The wines combine Rhône models with South African origin and are known far beyond Franschhoek. Particularly sought after is The Chocolate Block, a red blend based on Syrah that is among the best-known names of the Cape in many markets.

You can buy Boekenhoutskloof wine from us in every price range: from the approachable Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Learn more about Boekenhoutskloof

Boekenhoutskloof

An Estate with History since 1776

Boekenhoutskloof was founded in 1776 in a remote corner of the Franschhoek Valley and grew gradually in the late 18th century.^[1] In the 1990s a consortium of new owners took over the run-down estate and invested in new plantings, including Cabernet Sauvignon.^[1]

In 1996 the winery started in its present form with seven partners and 6,000 bottles.^[2] The seven Cape Dutch-style chairs on the label recall these partners.^[2]

Marc Kent and the House Style

The winemaker is Marc Kent, who studied cellar technology at Elsenburg.^[1] He was winemaker in residence at the start in 1996 and over time acquired a larger stake in the business himself.^[2]

The cellar holds concrete tanks, 94 Stockinger foudres and up to 900 smaller barrels.^[2] The Syrah follows a traditional Rhône style with natural yeast and maturation in concrete and barrels; it shows an Old World profile.^[3]

Origins and Old Vines

The grapes come from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and the Swartland. With Porseleinberg, Marc Kent has also built a project of his own in the Swartland.^[3]

The Semillon comes from very old vines, with parcels planted in 1902, 1906 and 1942.^[3] The Cabernet Sauvignon from Franschhoek grows in a vineyard planted in 1991.^[3]

The Chocolate Block

The Chocolate Block is the estate's red blend based on Syrah and comes from the Swartland. It is one of the labels that have made Boekenhoutskloof known far beyond Franschhoek: the 2011 vintage alone reached around 36,000 cases.^[3]

The Chocolate Block has a white counterpart in Goldmine, a blend made as a partner to the red.^[2] Both wines show how the house makes approachable blends in large volumes alongside its top wines.

The Wines

The range includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon under the Boekenhoutskloof name. The Semillon Noble Late Harvest, in which botrytis plays a part, is particularly highlighted.^[2]

Alongside them are Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap, plus Cap Maritime from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.^[2] According to a 2026 report, all labels together reach more than six million bottles a year.^[2]

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

1776

Address:

Excelsior Road, Franschhoek 7690, Western Cape, South Africa

Geo data address:

-33.9425193, 19.1080535

Acreage:

21 ha

Our recommendation:

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block

Why you should visit:

Exclusive wine tastings in small groups, personally hosted by the winemaker and available by prior appointment only
A 90-minute tasting experience showcasing flagship wines while exploring the estate's philosophy, terroir and vintages
Historic boutique winery dating back to 1776, surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Franschhoek Valley
Perfect for discerning wine lovers seeking an intimate and authentic tasting experience away from larger crowds

Phone:

+27 (0) 21 876 3320

Vineyard website:

https://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/

Frequently Asked Questions about Boekenhoutskloof

What is Boekenhoutskloof known for?

For Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, and for labels such as The Chocolate Block, The Wolftrap and Porcupine Ridge.

Where is Boekenhoutskloof?

On Excelsior Road in Franschhoek, at the remote end of the valley.

Since when has Boekenhoutskloof existed?

The estate was founded in 1776. As today's business it started in 1996.

What does the name Boekenhoutskloof mean?

It refers to the boekenhout trees of the valley; in Afrikaans the word means roughly "ravine of the beech woods".

What is The Chocolate Block?

A red blend based on Syrah that is among the best-known wines of the house.

How does The Wolftrap differ from Porcupine Ridge?

Both are approachable lines of the house. The Wolftrap comes as a red and a white, Porcupine Ridge as single-variety wines.

What does Boekenhoutskloof Syrah taste like?

Spicy and structured, in the style of the northern Rhône. It benefits from bottle age.

What is special about the Semillon?

It comes from very old vines, with parcels from 1902, 1906 and 1942.

Which dishes go with Boekenhoutskloof wines?

Syrah with game and lamb, Cabernet with beef, Semillon with fish and poultry.

Can Boekenhoutskloof be visited?

Yes, tastings take place in small groups by reservation.