Western Cape Wine Estate
Craven Wines
No deposit to enquire · we reply within the hour
At a glance
Region
Stellenbosch
Established
2012
From Cape Town
41 km
Tastings
By arrangement
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
The inside track
The estate
Craven Wines is a boutique winemaking project in Stellenbosch, founded by Mick and Jeanine Craven in 2012, focusing on honest, site-specific, single-vineyard, and single-varietal wines.
Located in the heart of Stellenbosch, Craven Wines celebrates the region's diverse terroirs, ranging from weathered granite to sandy soils. Founded by passionate winemakers who were captivated by the Cape Winelands' rich potential, Craven Wines focuses on single-site expressions that truly reflect the land. With vineyards spread across Stellenbosch, each wine tells the story of its origin, offering a distinct and authentic taste of the region. The surrounding mountains and valleys create unique microclimates that further shape the character of the grapes, inspiring Craven Wines' commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. By allowing the fruit to shine naturally, every bottle becomes a true reflection of its vineyard, telling a unique tale of soil, climate, and craftsmanship.
Wine
At Craven Wines, every vintage is crafted with meticulous care and a philosophy of showcasing single-site expressions. The winery's minimal intervention approach — natural fermentation, whole-bunch pressing, and neutral ageing — ensures the preservation of each vineyard's distinct character. Notable highlights include the Chenin Blanc 2023, sourced from the 1981-planted Karibib vineyard, which boasts bright natural acidity and elegant notes reflective of its terroir. Equally impressive is the Chardonnay 2023, aged in neutral barrels to develop complexity without overshadowing its natural fruit-driven flavours. Wine lovers can explore these and other selections through an intimate tasting experience by appointment.
Dining
While Craven does not currently host an on-site restaurant, they firmly believe in the magic of food and wine pairings. Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby Stellenbosch dining scene, where exceptional restaurants serve locally inspired cuisine designed to complement the winery's standout offerings. From casual farm-to-table eateries to fine-dining experiences, Stellenbosch's gastronomy beautifully enhances the flavours of Craven Wines' Chenin Blancs, Chardonnays, and other single-site varietals. Guests are also welcome to pack a picnic, pair it with their favourite Craven wine, and enjoy the region's natural beauty.
Gallery
Estate
Where to find us
More to explore
More estates in Stellenbosch
Explore the region
Your guide to the Stellenbosch Wine Valley
Explore Stellenbosch with a day built around Craven Wines and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
Build a custom tour around Craven Wines
We're your local concierge in the Cape Winelands. Every estate visit is part of a bigger day — build your custom tour online and we'll craft a personalised itinerary around Craven Wines, or skip the form and WhatsApp us now.