Rainbow’s End Wine Estate
A high-altitude Banghoek estate crafting small-batch Cabernet Franc and expressive red wines beneath the Jonkershoek Mountains.
Rainbow’s End combines family winemaking, steep mountain vineyards and a strong Cabernet Franc identity with a relaxed veranda tasting above the Banghoek basin.
Overview
Rainbow's End is a small family wine estate high above the Banghoek basin near Stellenbosch. Backed by the Jonkershoek Mountains, its vineyards rise from around 350 to 540 metres and specialise in concentrated, estate-grown red wines.
The tasting experience is personal and unhurried, with broad mountain views from the veranda. Cabernet Franc is the signature variety, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and carefully composed blends.
The Malan Family
Jacques Malan bought Rainbow's End in 1978, but the first vineyards were planted only in 2000 and 2001. Sons Anton and Francois joined him in building a family enterprise that keeps viticulture and winemaking closely connected.
The first wine, a Shiraz, was made in 2002. Cabernet Franc followed in 2005, the maiden Limited Release Cabernet Franc in 2007 and the first Family Reserve in 2011.
High Banghoek Terroir
Deep red Oakleaf soils, varied stone content and steep topography create distinct sites across the farm. Cabernet Sauvignon occupies warmer lower slopes, while Cabernet Franc is planted higher at roughly 420 to 450 metres.
Merlot grows on the coolest north-facing sites near 540 metres, Syrah on east- and south-facing slopes, and Petit Verdot and Malbec on lower stony ground. This detailed matching of variety to site underpins the estate's red-wine focus.
Hands-On Winemaking
Grapes are harvested by hand at dawn and every bunch is sorted. Fruit is cold soaked before open fermentation, with the cap plunged by hand several times a day and a small basket press used after fermentation.
Wines complete malolactic fermentation in barrel and mature in French oak for at least 12 months. They are bottled without fining or filtration, keeping the approach close to the vineyard and vintage.
Wine Tasting
The tasting room is open Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 17:00 and does not require a reservation for normal tastings. The current tasting includes five wines, with premium bottlings available on request.
Cheese and charcuterie platters are available, with final platter orders at 16:00. The estate is closed on Sunday.
Highlights
- Cabernet Franc specialist
- High Banghoek vineyards up to 540 metres
- Family-owned boutique estate
- Hand harvesting and open fermentation
- Unfined and unfiltered red wines
- Mountain-view veranda tastings
Wines Produced
Cabernet Franc Limited Release
A small-production selection highlighting the estate’s signature high-altitude Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc
An estate Cabernet Franc from cooler vineyard sites between roughly 420 and 450 metres.
Family Reserve
The flagship Bordeaux-style blend assembled from the family estate’s strongest red-wine components.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A structured Cabernet from warmer lower north-western slopes with reliable ripening conditions.
Syrah
A mountain Syrah from cooler east- and south-facing vineyard slopes.
Merlot
A fruit-focused Merlot from the estate’s highest and coolest north-facing vineyard sites.
Cabernet Franc Blanc de Noir
A pale, fresh expression of the estate’s signature Cabernet Franc variety.