Saxenburg Wine Estate
Historic Polkadraai Hills vineyards, acclaimed Syrah and relaxed tasting with views towards Table Mountain.
Saxenburg is a family-run Stellenbosch estate celebrated for Syrah, granite-rich vineyards, food pairings, a wildlife tasting and more than three centuries of history.
Overview
Saxenburg Wine Estate lies in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, where elevated vineyards look towards Table Mountain and False Bay.
Officially proclaimed in 1693, the estate is one of South Africa's oldest farms. Today it is a family-run winery known above all for Syrah, supported by a broad collection of expressive red and white wines.
History and Family
Adrian and Birgit Bührer bought Saxenburg in 1989 and began restoring the neglected property and replanting its vineyards. Their decision to focus strongly on Shiraz was unusual at the time, but the variety became central to the estate's international reputation.
The second generation, Fiona and Vincent Bührer, now leads the estate with a focus on its heritage, the character of the Polkadraai Hills and thoughtful, terroir-driven wines.
Vineyards and Winemaking
Decomposed granite soils and cooling ocean breezes suit Syrah particularly well. Cabernet Sauvignon grows lower on the warmer slopes, while Sauvignon Blanc benefits from cooler south-west-facing sites. Chardonnay is drawn from vineyards on both granite and sandstone.
In the cellar, gentle handling and restrained extraction are used to preserve purity, balance and a clear sense of place. The portfolio ranges from accessible Guinea Fowl wines to the Private Collection, limited Family Series and rare Shiraz Select releases.
Wine Tasting
The tasting room offers four- and six-wine flights from the Private Collection and Guinea Fowl ranges. Biltong and chocolate pairings add a South African food element to the experience.
The pre-booked Outdoor Wildlife Tasting combines five Private Collection wines and a cheese board with a short walk near the estate's zebra, springbok, fallow deer and black wildebeest enclosure.
Dining and Staying Over
Cattle Baron Grill Room operates independently on the estate and is convenient for lunch or dinner after a tasting. Self-catering guest cottages provide a peaceful Winelands base with vineyard and Table Mountain views.
Highlights
- Polkadraai Hills Syrah specialist
- Historic estate proclaimed in 1693
- Private Collection and rare Shiraz Select
- Biltong and chocolate wine pairings
- Pre-booked Outdoor Wildlife Tasting
- On-site restaurant and guest cottages
Wines Produced
Shiraz Select
A rare flagship Syrah made only in exceptional years from the estate’s finest parcels.
Private Collection Syrah
The estate’s signature Polkadraai Hills Syrah, balancing ripe fruit, spice and freshness.
Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
A structured Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon with layered dark fruit and refined tannins.
Private Collection Pinotage
An elegant, fruit-driven Pinotage with fine tannins and a juicy finish.
Private Collection Chardonnay
A rich yet fresh Chardonnay shaped by fruit from granite and sandstone vineyards.
Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc
A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from cooler slopes exposed to ocean breezes.
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
A limited white blend with texture, minerality and persistent acidity.
Guinea Fowl Chenin Blanc
An approachable Chenin Blanc from the estate’s value-focused Guinea Fowl collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saxenburg Wine Estate known for?
Saxenburg is best known for Polkadraai Hills Syrah, especially Shiraz Select and the Private Collection Syrah, as well as its history dating to 1693.
What are the tasting-room hours?
The tasting room opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. It is also open on most public holidays, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Do I need to book a standard wine tasting?
Standard tastings may be available without a reservation, but booking is sensible for weekends and groups. The Outdoor Wildlife Tasting requires advance booking.
What tasting experiences are available?
Visitors can choose four- or six-wine flights, biltong and chocolate pairings, or the pre-booked Outdoor Wildlife Tasting.
Does Saxenburg have a restaurant?
Yes. Cattle Baron Grill Room operates independently on the estate and serves steaks, seafood and other dishes.
Can I stay at Saxenburg?
Yes. The estate has self-catering guest cottages with vineyard and Table Mountain views.
How long should I spend at Saxenburg?
Allow three to four hours for a tasting, a meal and time to enjoy the estate surroundings.