Capensis

Capensis, meaning “from the Cape” in Latin, is a boutique South African winery dedicated exclusively to Chardonnay. Established in 2013 by Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines in partnership with the late Graham Beck’s estate, Capensis set out to showcase the world-class potential of Chardonnay from the Western Cape. The heart of the operation is the high-altitude Fijnbosch vineyard in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, where 8 hectares of vines grow on steep, well-drained clay soils.

Winemaker Graham Weerts, a Cape Town native with experience in Bordeaux and California, leads the project with a meticulous, terroir-driven approach. Grapes are sourced not only from Fijnbosch but also from select cool-climate sites such as Kaaimansgat, Robertson, and the Overberg, each chosen for its distinctive character. The resulting wines are crafted in small volumes, blending precision, minerality, and age-worthy structure.

The range includes the flagship Capensis Chardonnay, known for its depth and elegance; Silene, a fresher, more approachable expression; and the single-vineyard Fijnbosch Chardonnay, celebrated for its concentration and complexity. With its focused vision and world-class ambition, Capensis has quickly earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s leading Chardonnay producers, bridging Old World finesse with New World energy.

Buy Capensis wine below.