It all began at Uitkyk Farm in the 1950s, where Walter James du Preez Roux was raised and granted the opportunity to take over from his father. As most good love stories go, Walter fell in love with the girl-next-door, who he later married.
They continued to farm at Uitkyk until around 1960, when Walter was given the option to buy Die Fonteine Farm from his father-in-law, Daniel Mathys de Kock. Daniel was a Tabacco farmer from Rhodesia who had bought the farm in 1948, to have a property close to his children who were at school in Stellenbosch.
Until 1972, all grapes were processed on the farm and sold as bulk wine, but in 1973 all winemaking stopped and the grapes were sold off, as international sanctions against South Africa prohibited export of wines – severely impacting the wine industry in the country.
It was in 1995 that Marius and Japie Roux, the two youngest sons of Walter, carried forward the family tradition and restarted the winemaking process on own soil. Having supplied grapes and wine for sale under other labels until 1995, the family decided to hoist their own flag, Somerbosch Wines. By 2000, all the grapes on the farm were made into wine. This was fortunate timing, as the sanctions lifted in the yearly 1990s.
Although the farm itself is still called Die Fonteine, the Roux brothers renamed the winery to “Somerbosch Wines” as it sits precisely halfway between Somerset West and Stellenbosch.
Somerbosch Wines is a family-run, working farm. Its intimate and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect destination for family lunch, a special celebration or a wine tasting with views of the beautiful garden, vineyards and Helderberg Mountains.
Since 1995, brothers Marius and Japie Roux have taken over the reins at Die Fonteine Farm and Somerbosch Wines. Born and raised on the farm, they observed as their father, Walter, passionately cultivated the grapes used to produce wine.
Following nearly two decades supplying grapes, a trip to Napa Valley in the early 1990s prompted Marius to revive the family’s winemaking tradition. He returned home and convinced Wally and his two brothers, Wrensch and Japie, to take up this challenge. Within 6 months they had constructed the cellar, starting from nothing but a concrete slab.
With a functional cellar in place, the brothers’ roles began to diverge. Marius, ever drawn to farming, shifted his focus to viticulture ensuring the quality of their grapes. Meanwhile, Japie gained a love for the winemaking process, and transforming those grapes into exceptional wines. They are a remarkable team.
With an ever-evolving climate and industry, they have had to adapt over the years, whilst remaining steadfast in their mantras.
Our winemakers’ mantras:
“Given the property’s diverse soil composition, vineyard parcels should be nursed accordingly to ensure good quality fruit.” – Marius
“Respect the fruit to produce an honest reflection of the variety – it’s all about balance.” – Japie
In their free time, Marius enjoys adventures on horse-back, exploring unknown parts of the country. Whilst Japie enjoys off-roading on his motorbike.
“Above all, we’d like customers to have as much fun drinking our wines as we have making them!” say Marius & Japie.
Die Fonteine Farm, R44, Stellenbosch, 7599
Enquiries & Bookings: bistro@somerbosch.co.za
Phone us on 021 855 3615
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