Thelema Stellenbosch – Cabernet and precise mountain wines with depth

The Mint, high-altitude vineyards and distinct Simonsberg origin

Thelema is recognised as one of Stellenbosch’s defining quality estates, producing precise mountain wines with depth and strong origin expression.

Cabernet Sauvignon and The Mint shape the estate’s profile as defining signatures, while elevated Simonsberg vineyards give these mountain wines tension, freshness and recognisable character. Altitude and minimal-intervention classicism form an integral part of the estate’s distinctive identity.

The portfolio combines approachable estate wines with characterful premium releases, offering a clear framework for different preferences and occasions.

Learn more about Thelema

Vineyard Thelema Mountain Vineyards

Thelema in Stellenbosch – origin and style

Thelema is regarded as a reference-point producer for precise mountain wines in Stellenbosch, combining high-altitude terroir with classical fine-wine expertise. Cool mountain vineyards, red soils and a strong sense of origin shape wines with depth, balance and precision.

The estate’s identity combines Cabernet expertise with a distinctly mountain-driven philosophy.

Cabernet and The Mint as defining signatures

Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the portfolio and stands here for structure, elegance and remarkable ageing potential.

The Mint is recognised as the estate’s iconic flagship blend and adds additional individuality and recognisable identity to the range.

Together these signatures give the estate an exceptionally distinctive identity.

Range and style

From approachable estate wines to complex premium releases, the range offers versatile options for different occasions. Precision, depth and origin expression remain central throughout.

This creates clear orientation for those who value structured mountain wines with ageing potential.

A South African estate with international standing

Thelema combines South African origin with internationally respected expertise in Cabernet and precise red wines.

For those looking to explore Stellenbosch wines with depth, tension and high-altitude precision, Thelema offers a focused portfolio with strong identity.

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

1983

Address:

R310 Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600

Geo data address:

-33.90774372378749, 18.922415091264465

Acreage:

88 ha

Our recommendation:

The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon

Why you should visit:

Tastings focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, The Mint and estate wines
Insights into one of South Africa’s defining high-altitude wine estates
Experience Simonsberg mountain terroir and scenic Helshoogte Pass views
Visit a reference-point producer for mountain wines and Cabernet precision

Phone:

+27 (0)21 885 1924

Vineyard website:

https://www.thelema.co.za

Thelema Mountain Vineyards – Entrance area to the winery

Thelema Mountain Vineyards: The Classic!

It was the pleasure of a Burgundy Puligny Montrachet that prompted Gyles Webb to put aside his calculator, give up his career as an accountant and become a winemaker. After graduating in oenology from Stellenbosch University, he worked on many wine farms in South Africa and around the world.

Thelema Mountain Vineyards – Emotion, landscape at the vineyard

Winery Profile

Owner:
Familie Barbara & Gyles Webb

Cellar master:
Gyles Webb

Winemakers:
Rudi Schultz, Duncan Clarke

Location
Stellenbosch / South Africa

Thelema Mountain Vineyards – Exterior view of the winery

Gyles & Barbara Webb - Owner of Thelema Mountain Vineyards Winery, Stellenbosch, South Africa

How it all began at Thelema...

In 1983, Gyles and his wife Barbara purchased Thelema, a somewhat run-down fruit farm.

Rudi Schultz

Winemaker at Thelema

Gyles Webb, Rudi Schultz & Duncan Clark

Gyles, Rudi and Maik cater to almost every taste with their wines. Whether crisp, fresh, fruity whites or deep, complex reds. The typical characteristics are very restrained, classic and elegant.

Duncan Clark

Winemaker at Thelema

Crescenda

Tasting Room Manager

Crescenda

Crescenda, Thelema's experienced tasting room manager. Crescenda is an expert in wine tasting and guides participants through the tasting with passion and near-perfect German.

Thomas Webb

Gyles' son is now the most important member of the winery, responsible for sales and administration. The small family business has grown into a sizeable family corporation.

Thomas Webb

Sales and administration

Gyles Webb - Winemaker & owner of Thelema Mountain Vineyards Winery, Stellenbosch, South Africa

A Toast to Gyles

In 2019, he was honoured as a legendary winemaker. An award for his life's work!

GYLES WEBB´S PHILOSOPHY

Intervene as little as possible in the winemaking process. His recipe is loving neglect. Clarification and filtering are kept to a minimum!

He also believes in good wood quality, which is why you will find quality barrels from France in his cellars, both at Thelema and at Sutherland, the second label in Elgin.

The Thelema brand

The first wine under the Thelema name was launched in 1988, five years after the purchase of the old fruit farm. Since then, Gyles Webb has achieved a unique success story with his brand, winning many awards. As a newcomer to the industry, he has worked hard to earn respect in the South African wine market and is now one of South Africa's most respected winemakers.

The Phoenix

In many cultures, the phoenix rising from the ashes symbolises rebirth, renewal or immortality. What a beautiful emblem for a wine brand. Edna and David McLean ran the small Phoenix Garden Hotel when their daughter Barbara married Gyles Webb. After the couple bought the run-down fruit farm, it rose like a phoenix from the ashes. What's more, the bird has been part of the Webb family crest for centuries. Can all this be a coincidence?

The term Thelema

first appeared in the novel ‘Gargantua’ by the French monk Francois Rabelais in 1534. Rabelais was also a writer and wrote about a free monastery, the Abbey of Thélème. It was a free-spirited monastery for men and women. Rabelais incorporated all his humanistic ideas into the book, with plenty of humour and irony. This free, monastic world view was the inspiration for the Thelema wine brand.

Tasting Room - Emotion, wine enjoyment with wine bar

THE SUTHERLAND BRAND

While the Thelema brand was growing and thriving in Stellenbosch, Gyles felt it was time for a new challenge. In 2002, he purchased an apple farm in the cool Elgin region. There, he planted mainly Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The cold maritime climate ensures slower ripening times and thus elegant minerality and concentrated fruit aromas in the wines.

Tasting Room - Emotion, Wine list of the Sutherland range

TASTE IT!

Picturesquely situated in the vineyards – Thelema's new tasting room.

A place to linger and enjoy.

Tasting Room Thelema – Emotion, interior view

Tasting Room Thelema – Emotion, exterior view of terrace

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sundays: closed
+27 21 885 1924
tastingroom@thelema.co.za
GPS: 33°54′30″S 18°55′23.4″E