Glen Carlou Wine Estate
A respected Simonsberg estate near Paarl, internationally acclaimed for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and iconic Grand Classique Bordeaux blend.
On the Simonsberg slopes between Paarl and Stellenbosch, Glen Carlou (est. 1985) is a benchmark Chardonnay specialist. It pairs world-class wines and the iconic Grand Classique with contemporary dining and an art gallery.
Overview
Set among the rolling hills of Simonsberg-Paarl, Glen Carlou is a premium Cape Winelands estate celebrated for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and the historic Grand Classique Bordeaux-style blend.
The 145-hectare property brings together wine, seasonal cuisine and contemporary South African art, with broad vineyard views and the Simonsberg mountains forming a memorable backdrop.
Chardonnay Heritage
Glen Carlou committed to Chardonnay when the variety was planted on the farm in 1985. Its first vintage followed in 1988, helping establish the estate as one of the Cape's early Chardonnay specialists. Quartz Stone Chardonnay remains the flagship expression of that heritage.
Vineyards & Terroir
Vineyards grow in the free-draining, gravelly and granite-derived soils of Simonsberg-Paarl. Quartz-rich parcels shape the focused character of the estate's Chardonnay, while stony quarry soils contribute structure and mineral definition to Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine, Cuisine & Art
Visitors can choose from curated tasting experiences covering the estate's flagship, collection and lifestyle wines. The restaurant serves seasonal lunches with local flavours and vineyard views, while the on-site gallery presents contemporary, pop and modern works by South African artists.
Visiting the Estate
The tasting room welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 to 16:30. Lunch is served from 12:00, and advance reservations are recommended for tastings and restaurant tables, particularly on weekends and during peak Winelands season.
Highlights
- One of SA’s leading Chardonnay specialists (first vintage 1988)
- Benchmark Quartz Stone Chardonnay
- Iconic Grand Classique Bordeaux blend (since 1989)
- Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon
- Contemporary restaurant with valley-view terrace
- On-site art gallery and panoramic Simonsberg views
Wines Produced
Quartz Stone Chardonnay
The estate flagship Chardonnay, shaped by quartz-rich soils, precise acidity and finely textured oak maturation.
Chardonnay
A lightly wooded Chardonnay offering freshness, depth and a mineral core.
Blanc de Blancs Brut
A traditional-method Cap Classique made entirely from Chardonnay with fine bubbles and lees-aged complexity.
Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon
A powerful yet polished flagship Cabernet Sauvignon from stony Simonsberg vineyards.
Grand Classique
The estate's historic Bordeaux-style blend, first released in 1989 and built around balance, structure and elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon combining ripe dark fruit with polished structure.