Captivated by Cap Classique tour voucher Subtotal: R250,00
WELTEVREDE ESTATE
JONKER FAMILY
The Jonker family has been custodians of Weltevrede for more than a century. Now in its fourth generation, the estate is led by Philip Jonker, whose vision has carried the family legacy into a new era. Under his guidance, Weltevrede has become a specialist Chardonnay destination, showcasing the elegance and minerality that only limestone terroir can birth.
The Farm and the Robertson valley
Weltevrede Wine Estate lies near Bonnievale, the southernmost estate in the Robertson Valley, a region long celebrated as the “Valley of Wine and Roses.” The estate is surrounded by limestone-rich hills, creating an environment perfectly suited to producing world-class wines. Our vineyards are rooted in soils containing exceptionally high levels of limestone—rare in South Africa and revered in the great Chardonnay regions of the world. This terroir gives Weltevrede wines their hallmark purity, minerality, and freshness.
Winemaking Philosophy
Our philosophy is rooted in respect for nature, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence without compromise. The limestone soils are our canvas, and each vintage is an opportunity to let the land speak.
With attention to detail we ensure every wine of Weltevrede reflects its terroir accurately. We seek precision, finesse, and honesty in our wines—Chardonnays with brilliant luminocity, vibrant lime-like elegance, thin layered complexity, a flinty backbone, and the ability to age gracefully. For us, winemaking is not just craft, but storytelling: every bottle captures the soil, the season, and the spirit of Weltevrede.
While Weltevrede produces a range of wines, Chardonnay has always been the one to offer with confidence as consistantly world class. This noble variety finds its truest expression in limestone soils, and our estate is blessed with some of the richest limestone deposits in the Cape.
Limestone imparts a natural tension, freshness, and minerality that elevate Chardonnay beyond fruit into a realm of elegance and refinement. Our wines—whether the house style Weltevrede Premium Chardonnay, crisp Chablis-like Weltevrede Calcrete, the precise Weltevrede Place of Rocks, the layered Weltevrde Poet’s Prayer —each tell a different side of Chardonnay’s story. Together, they reflect Weltevrede’s belief that Chardonnay is not just a variety, but unique voice of our terroir.
The story of Weltevrede dates back to 1912, when the Jonker family first started farming here. Over the decades, the estate has grown from a humble family farm into an internationally acclaimed winery with world class underground tours and visitors’ experiences, winning amongs other awards, the Global Wine Capitals Most Innovative Wine Tourism Experience in the World. Throughout the generations, one constant has remained: a deep respect for the land, The family believes integrity, authenticity and consistant quality earns trust in the name Weltevrede.
The wines of Weltevrede have been recognised with multiple awards over the years, including trophies and gold medals at the Cap Classique Challenge, Michelangelo International Wine Awards, Veritas Awards and Chardonnay du Monde in Burgundy. Leading global critics, such as Tim Atkin MW, have consistently rated Weltevrede among South Africa’s top Chardonnay producers. These accolades affirm that the terroir of Weltevrede is trully exceptional.
The Robertson Valley enjoys bright sunshine during the day, tempered by cool nights, which allows grapes to ripen slowly while preserving natural acidity. This unique interplay of soil and climate creates wines that are elegant, balanced, and expressive of their origin.
WELTEVREDE ESTATE
Timeline of Weltevrede
The Beginning
- 1912 – Klaas Jonker establishes Weltevrede and plants the first vines.
- 1933 – His son, Japie Jonker, begins wine farming and expands the winery to meet growing production.
A New Vision
1962 – Lourens Jonker studies viniculture in Europe and California before returning to farm.
1969 – After his father’s passing, Lourens inherits the 65 ha estate and acquires the neighbouring Muscadel farm.
Growth & Recognition
1981 – The River’s Edge farm is added.
1996 – Lourens is honoured as National Farmer of the Year.
1997 – Philip Jonker, the fourth generation, joins the estate after completing his B.Sc. Agric, gaining harvest experience in Napa Valley and Bordeaux.
Estate Expansion
2003 – Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique wins WINE Magazine/Amorim Cork Challenge.
2009 – Entheos Cap Classique wins Best Non-Vintage at the Cap Classique Challenge.
International Recognition
- 2010 – Entheos Cap Classique is chosen for SAA Premium Class during the Soccer World Cup.
- Today – Under the leadership of Philip Jonker, Weltevrede produces award-winning Chardonnays and Cap Classiques, continuing the Jonker family’s four-generation legacy.