Boplaas Family Vineyards

Boplaas Family Vineyards & Distilling is a six-generation family business situated in the picturesque town of Calitzdorp among the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo. The Nel family traces their lineage back to the French Huguenots who arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in 1688, bringing a wine culture that has prevailed to this day. In the mid-19th century, the Nel family settled in Calitzdorp and established their vineyards and orchards on Boplaas – meaning ‘top farm’ – due to its location on a slight plateau overlooking the Gamka valley. The estate’s rich history dates back to 1880 when the first shipment of potstill brandy casks was transported to Cape Town harbour by ox-wagon for delivery to London. In those days, taxes could even be paid with brandy. Following the repeal of distilling licenses in the early 1920s, Boplaas’ copper potstill lay dormant for nearly 70 years until it was fired up again in 1989. Since then, the estate has expanded distillation to include gin and whisky, utilizing a new still nicknamed ‘The Falcon’. Today, Boplaas is led by owner and Cape Wine Master Carel Nel, who is also a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild. The estate has long been renowned for its dedication to Portuguese and Mediterranean varietals, crafting elegant and expressive wines that reflect the rugged terrain of the Klein Karoo. A fortunate accident in the 1970s when Tinta Barocca vines were mistakenly planted instead of Shiraz led to the discovery of the region’s exceptional suitability for Portuguese grapes. The estate now produces an impressive range including brandy, whisky, gin, wines, port-styled wines and sparkling wines from 70 hectares of vineyards planted to over 17 different varietals across five farms – all hand-harvested. Boplaas has earned numerous awards including ten SA Champion Port Trophies, SA Champion titles for Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blends, and was named Best Cellar at the 2019 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. The Boplaas 5-Year Potstill Brandy was famously served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. Carel Nel received a 95+ rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for his 2022 CWG Auction wine. The estate is deeply committed to conservation, particularly preserving the Portulacaria Afra plant (spekboom), a highly efficient carbon sequester. Over 5,000 hectares of veld are under conservation in the Klein Karoo. Boplaas also operates tasting rooms in George, Hartenbos, and Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route.