Thistle & Weed – Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cape Blends from Stellenbosch
Boutique winery of Stephanie Wiid and Etienne Terblanche
Thistle & Weed is a boutique winery of Stephanie Wiid and Etienne Terblanche in Stellenbosch. The two make Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc as well as Cape Blends from old vineyards in several sites across the Cape. Every wine carries the Afrikaans name of a plant that grows between the vines.
If you want to buy Thistle & Weed wine, start with Chenin Blanc in three styles: Brandnetel from Stellenbosch, Duwweltjie from Paarl and Springdoring from the Swartland. Khakibos, Nastergal and Knapsekêrel complete the range.
Duwweltjie OVP Chenin Blanc
- Thistle and Weed
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Paarl
- Chenin Blanc
- Tim Atkin 2026: 95 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€37.27* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Springdoring
- Thistle and Weed
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Swartland
- Chenin Blanc
- Tim Atkin 2026: 93 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€35.93* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Nastergal Red Blend
- Thistle and Weed
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Tempranillo - blend
- Tim Atkin 2026: 95 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€33.07* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Brandnetel Chenin Blanc
- Thistle and Weed
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Chenin Blanc
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 94 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 95 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€32.67* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Brandnetel Chenin Blanc
- Thistle and Weed
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Stellenbosch
- Chenin Blanc
- Tim Atkin 2026: 95 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€35.93* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Khakibos White
- Thistle and Weed
- white wine - dry
- South Africa - Western Cape
- Verdelho - blend
- Tim Atkin 2026: 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€34.60* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc
- Thistle and Weed
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Polkadraai Hills
- Cabernet Franc
- Tim Atkin 2026: 94 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€35.93* / 1 Litre)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc
- Thistle and Weed
- red wine - dry
- South Africa - Polkadraai Hills
- Cabernet Franc
- John Platter: 4.5 Sterne / 93 Punkte
- Tim Atkin 2025: 94 Punkte
- Winemagazine South Africa 2025: 91 Punkte
Content: 0.75 Litre (€32.67* / 1 Litre)
No longer available
Thistle & Weed
Two Families, One Project
Thistle & Weed began in 2015 as a joint project of the Terblanche and Wiid families.[1] Etienne Terblanche is the viticulturist, Stephanie Wiid the winemaker.[1]
Wiid's grandfather was Niel Joubert, former owner of Spier and a co-founder of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.[2]
The Name: Thistles and Weeds
The name comes from the wild plants that grow between the vines of the Cape. They stand for the tenacity and survival skills of grapevines.[1][3]
Each wine carries the colloquial Afrikaans name of such a plant and a local botanical on the label.[1][3] The house describes its wines as "Kaaps", that is, wines of the Cape.[3]
Chenin Blanc in Three Styles
Duwweltjie comes from Paarl, from bush vines planted in 1961 on koffieklip slopes.[1][2] Brandnetel grows in the Stellenbosch area on the foothills of the Simonsberg, on weathered granite, in a vineyard from the 1980s that was originally a rootstock trial site.[1][2]
Springdoring comes from bush vines on the Paardeberg in the Swartland, also planted in the 1980s.[1][2] All three are whole-bunch pressed, fermented with wild yeasts and matured for nine to ten months on the lees in French barrels.[1]
Cape Blends and Reds
Khakibos is a white Cape blend of five varieties. In the 2024 vintage it consisted of 29 percent Verdelho, 23 percent Chenin Blanc, 18 percent Alvarinho, 15 percent Palomino and 15 percent Fernão Pires.[2] The grapes come from several areas, including Stellenbosch, Piekenierskloof, Wellington, Paarl, Swartland and Worcester.[3]
Nastergal is a red blend that in the 2023 vintage consisted of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Souzão.[2] Knapsekêrel is a Cabernet Franc from the Polkadraai Hills, fermented with 15 percent whole bunches.[2]
Vineyard facts
- Year of established:
- 2015
- Address:
- Frederik Street Stellenbosch 7600
- Our recommendation:
- Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc
- Why you should visit:
- The intimate cellar tasting room offers exclusive wine tastings showcasing the distinctive wines of Thistle & Weed – advance bookings are essential
- Every tasting includes a guided cellar tour, sharing the winery's philosophy and the stories behind the wines named after indigenous plants
- An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter featuring locally sourced produce perfectly complements the tasting experience and should be pre-ordered
- Limited seating and the rustic cellar setting create a personal and relaxed wine experience
- Vineyard website:
- https://www.thistleandweed.co.za/
Frequently Asked Questions about Thistle & Weed
What is Thistle & Weed known for?
For Chenin Blanc from old vineyards, white Cape blends and wines with Afrikaans names.
Who is behind Thistle & Weed?
Stephanie Wiid (winemaker) and Etienne Terblanche (viticulturist).
Since when has Thistle & Weed existed?
The project began in 2015.
What does the name Thistle & Weed mean?
It refers to the wild plants between the vines: thistles and weeds.
What is Brandnetel?
A Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, from vines planted in the 1980s on granite.
What distinguishes Duwweltjie?
It comes from Paarl, from bush vines planted in 1961, on koffieklip.
What is Springdoring?
A Chenin Blanc from the Swartland, from the Paardeberg.
What is in Khakibos?
A white Cape blend of five varieties, including Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Alvarinho, Palomino and Fernão Pires.
What does Knapsekêrel taste like?
Fresh and juicy, with notes of rose, herbs and red cherry, and fine tannins.
Can Thistle & Weed be visited?
Yes, by reservation, with a guided cellar tour. Seating is limited.