DeMorgenzon – Garden Vineyards, Baroque Music and Chenin Blanc in Stellenbosch

Maestro, Reserve and DMZ from the Slopes of the Ribbokkop

DeMorgenzon means "the morning sun" and lies on the slopes of the Ribbokkop in Stellenbosch: the vines stand here in garden vineyards at 200 to 400 metres above sea level, and baroque music rings out over vineyards and cellar. Since 2003 the estate has belonged to Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum, who make mainly Chenin Blanc and the Maestro blend there. The Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from vines planted in 1972, and the wines of the DMZ range form the entry level.

Let the wines of DeMorgenzon seduce you and taste your way from the DMZ Chenin Blanc to the Reserve through the range. Here you can buy DeMorgenzon wine, from the DMZ Sauvignon Blanc to the Maestro White and Maestro Red.

Learn more about DeMorgenzon

DeMorgenzon

The Morning Sun on the Ribbokkop

The name DeMorgenzon means "the morning sun", because the estate is the first place in the Stellenboschkloof valley that the sun reaches.[1] The vines cover the southern and eastern slopes of the Ribbokkop, facing the Kanonkop.[1]

The vineyards lie between 200 and just under 400 metres above sea level.[2][3] From above, the view stretches to Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point, Cape Hangklip, the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the Helderberg and the Simonsberg.[3]

According to Cellar Tours, vines were already planted on the property in the 1700s.[4] In 2003 Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum bought the estate.[1][2] Hylton Appelbaum had founded Classic FM South Africa in 1997.[2]

Garden Vineyards and Baroque Music

The estate calls its sites "garden vineyards", and in spring selected wildflowers bloom between the vines.[3] According to Cellar Tours, the estate's own vineyards cover 55 hectares with vines more than 30 years old that give low yields.[4]

Baroque music plays in the vineyards and the cellar, and the owners admit that there is hardly any scientific evidence for it.[1] Stylistically, the estate aims to combine New World fruit with Old World elegance.[1]

Reserve, Maestro and DMZ

The Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from a block planted in 1972 that usually supplies it.[5] The vines were originally bush vines and were converted to a single-wire trellis system.[2]

Winemag named the 2018 vintage of the Reserve Chenin Blanc White Wine of the Year in 2020.[5] According to Winemag, Carl van der Merwe led the wines from 2010 to 2020, and since 2021 Alastair Rimmer has been CEO and winemaker.[2][5]

The Maestro White consists of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier, and the Maestro Red is a Bordeaux blend.[2] The Maestro 2014 matured for ten months in small French oak barrels and in concrete eggs and won an international trophy.[1]

The DMZ range comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Syrah.[2]

Variety in the Vineyard

According to Wineroute, the white varieties grown on the estate are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.[3] The red varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.[3]

The house speciality is Chenin Blanc.[3] Cellar Tours also names Reserve Chardonnay, Reserve Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cap Classique, and production is around 30,000 cases.[4]

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

2003

Address:

Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7599

Geo data address:

-33.93944275543041, 18.75116358190035

Acreage:

91 ha

Our recommendation:

DeMorgenzon Maestro White

Why you should visit:

Enjoy tastings of DeMorgenzon's award-winning wines in a relaxed setting, complemented by charcuterie platters and beautiful vineyard views
Stroll through the estate's magnificent ornamental gardens, making DeMorgenzon one of South Africa's most beautiful garden wine estates
Experience the estate's unique tradition of Baroque music played throughout the vineyards and gardens, creating a truly distinctive atmosphere
Panoramic views across the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley, combined with wine, music and nature, make DeMorgenzon an unforgettable destination

Phone:

+27 (0)21 881 3030

Vineyard website:

https://demorgenzon.com/

Frequently Asked Questions about DeMorgenzon

Where is DeMorgenzon located?

DeMorgenzon lies on the Stellenboschkloof Road in Blottenburg, on the slopes of the Ribbokkop in Stellenbosch.[1][4]

Which wine ranges does DeMorgenzon have?

The main ranges are DMZ, Reserve and Maestro.[2] According to Cellar Tours, there are also Reserve Chardonnay, Reserve Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cap Classique, among others.[4]

Which grape varieties are grown at DeMorgenzon?

The white varieties are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.[3] The red varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.[3]

Why is Chenin Blanc the speciality of DeMorgenzon?

According to Wineroute, Chenin Blanc is the house speciality.[3] The Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from a block planted in 1972, whose vines were originally bush vines.[2][5]

What is the Reserve Chenin Blanc?

The Reserve is the Chenin Blanc from the 1972 block.[5] Its 2018 vintage was named White Wine of the Year by Winemag in 2020.[5]

What is the Maestro?

The Maestro White consists of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier.[2] The Maestro Red is a Bordeaux blend.[2]

What is the DMZ range?

DMZ comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Syrah.[2] It forms the entry level to the estate's range.

Which red wines does DeMorgenzon make?

The red wines include the Maestro Red as a Bordeaux blend and the DMZ Syrah.[2] According to Cellar Tours, there are also a Reserve Syrah and Pinot Noir.[4]

Does baroque music influence the wine?

According to the estate, the music is meant to support ripening.[2] The owners admit that there is hardly any scientific evidence for it.[1]

Where can I buy DeMorgenzon wine?

In our range you will find the DMZ Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Rosé, the Reserve Chenin Blanc and Reserve Chardonnay, and the Maestro White and Maestro Red. There is also the estate's olive oil.