Situated in the renowned Simonsberg Ward, Knorhoek is rooted in one of Stellenbosch's first growth terroirs. Dedicated to crafting just two wines of heritage, the estate combines precision viticulture and meticulous cellar practices to produce wines of great International acclaim.
Owner · Winemaker · Viticulturist
Denis Gaiduk, Schalk Opperman & Nico Walters
Knorhoek is a Certified Heritage Vineyards farm dating back to 1694, nestled in the picturesque Knorhoek Valley in the Simonsberg area of Stellenbosch, a location famous for two things: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc. When the proudly Ukrainian Gaiduk family purchased the property in 2012, they decided to keep it simple and focus on making just those two wines at the site.
Utilising the skills of renowned winemaker Schalk Opperman and viticulturist Nico Walters, the Gaiduk family have restored this estate to its former glory. The Cabernet Sauvignon was named Best in Show at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards and the sole revelation in its category at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2024, a serious case for the best Cabernet in South Africa, at a price that is unheard of in many wine regions around the world.
Knorhoek's commitment to quality and family-oriented approach makes it a distinctive destination in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands. Beyond wine production, the estate offers accommodation and culinary experiences, creating an immersive experience centred around heritage and hospitality. Profits from this estate are currently supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Attributes
Stellenbosch · Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Spotlight - heritage on the Knorhoek slope
Two noble varieties, one historic farm
Knorhoek's heritage vineyards crest dates the estate to 1694 - Certified Heritage status, the proudly Ukrainian Gaiduk family at the helm since 2012, and a deliberate focus on just two wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and old-vine Chenin Blanc, the two noble heritage varieties that define South African winemaking.
The Knorhoek slope sits in the Simonsberg ward of Stellenbosch, famous for both varieties for good reason - granite soils, mountain aspect, and a cooler face than the Helderberg side. The result is pure, age-worthy expressions that respect what this land has done for over three centuries.
The Wines
Wine Portfolio
Vine Talker
Download the complete wine portfolio for Knorhoek - tasting notes, vineyard details, and everything you need.
Where they sit on the Cape
Knorhoek on the producer map
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