Western Cape Wine Estate
Fort Simon Wine Estate
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At a glance
Region
Stellenbosch
Established
1997
From Cape Town
30 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
The inside track
The estate
Fort Simon Wine Estate is a picturesque destination in the Bottelary Hills, offering exceptional wines, a restaurant, and versatile event spaces. It is a popular venue for weddings and corporate functions set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards.
Nestled in the heart of Bottelary in the iconic Stellenbosch wine region, Fort Simon Wine Estate stands as a testament to a family's passion and legacy in winemaking. Established in 1901 with the symbolic name Houmoed—meaning courage—the estate began its journey from the historic Goede Hoop property. Dr Simon Uys, a visionary in viticulture, expanded the vineyards in the 1970s, laying the foundation for exceptional wines. Though Dr Uys never saw his dream of a winery realized, his son, Renier Uys, honoured this vision by founding Fort Simon Wine Estate in 1997.
The estate's elevation and diverse soils create an ideal terroir, where unique microclimates shape the distinct characteristics of each wine. Surrounded by sweeping views of mountains and valleys, Fort Simon blends history, nature, and modern craftsmanship, inviting visitors to experience its charm and heritage in one of South Africa's most celebrated wine regions.
Gallery
About
Wine
The wines of Fort Simon Wine Estate are a true reflection of the estate's terroir and the Uys family's commitment to excellence. While the Tasting Room is temporarily closed, the estate's standout wines remain a tribute to the meticulous care invested in both the vineyard and cellar. Notable selections include the Fort Simon Pinotage 2022, a robust expression of South Africa's iconic varietal, and the Sauvignon Blanc 2023, a vibrant white wine grown on elevated blocks that benefit from cooler temperatures.
The Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and tropical aromas, is hand-harvested to ensure a pure expression of the vineyard. Visitors eager to explore Fort Simon's award-winning wines are encouraged to subscribe to the estate's mailing list for updates on the tasting room reopening. Each bottle tells a story of terroir, dedication, and the enduring passion of the Uys family.
Dining
While Fort Simon Wine Estate does not feature a full-time restaurant, its in-house catering team provides exceptional dining experiences for events and weddings. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, menus are thoughtfully crafted to complement the estate's wines. From elegant plated dishes to bountiful banquet-style spreads, the cuisine is tailored to suit any occasion.
Whether it's a wedding, celebration, or corporate gathering, guests can expect dishes prepared with meticulous attention to detail and presented beautifully amidst the vineyard's picturesque setting. This culinary approach ensures every event held at Fort Simon is memorable and unique.
Experiences
Fort Simon offers memorable celebrations and events set against its historic vineyard charm.
Wine Tasting
The Tasting Room at Fort Simon Wine Estate is currently closed. However, this elegant space usually allows visitors to sample a variety of meticulously crafted wines, showcasing the estate's commitment to excellence.
Weddings and Celebrations
Fort Simon Wine Estate offers a fairytale backdrop for weddings, milestone birthdays, and celebrations. The estate's enchanting vineyards, historic charm, and professional event coordination make every special occasion shine.
Corporate Events and Conferences
Host your next conference or team-building event in a serene, scenic setting. The estate's advanced facilities provide a perfect blend of productivity and tranquillity, inspiring creativity and collaboration.
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 Fort Simon Wine Estate 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 Fort Simon Wine Estate
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 Fort Simon Wine Estate, or skip the form and WhatsApp us now.