Anwilka
Summary
Anwilka is a collaborative 40-hectare Stellenbosch estate in the Helderberg area, focusing on Bordeaux and Rhône varieties grown in granite-based soils with cooling maritime influences from nearby False Bay. Founded in the late 1990s by Bruno Prats, Hubert de Boüard, and Lowell Jooste, this relatively young producer has quickly gained recognition for its distinctive blends that marry French winemaking expertise with South African terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Anwilka Vineyard was established in the late 1990s in South Africa's Stellenbosch region, specifically in the Helderberg area. The estate released its first vintage in 2005, marking the culmination of a collaborative vision between three significant wine industry figures: Bruno Prats, former owner of Bordeaux's Château Cos d'Estournel; Hubert de Boüard from the prestigious Château Angélus; and Lowell Jooste of Klein Constantia, one of South Africa's historic estates.
A significant development in Anwilka's history occurred in 2012 when the estate merged with Klein Constantia. This business transaction brought Anwilka under the partial ownership of Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman, who had acquired interests in Klein Constantia. Following this merger, Bruno Prats and Hubert de Boüard maintained their connection to the project as consultants, bringing their considerable Bordeaux expertise to the South African terroir.
Vineyards & Wines
Anwilka's approximately 40-hectare estate is situated in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch, benefiting from its proximity to False Bay. The vineyard lies roughly 7-8 kilometers from the ocean, allowing maritime influences to moderate temperatures and contribute to the development of balanced acidity in the grapes. This coastal proximity creates ideal growing conditions for the estate's primary varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.
The vineyard's terroir features predominantly granite-based soils with clay components, providing good drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for the vines. This soil composition, combined with the cooling ocean breezes, creates distinctive growing conditions that shape the character of Anwilka's wines.
The estate produces two main wines. Their flagship offering combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, creating a distinctive South African expression that draws on Bordeaux winemaking traditions while incorporating Rhône Valley influence through the Syrah component. Their second wine, "Petit Frère" (meaning "Little Brother"), provides an accessible introduction to the estate's winemaking approach.
Philosophy & Practice
Anwilka's winemaking philosophy bridges South African terroir expression with French winemaking traditions, reflecting the international expertise of its founding team. The estate's approach emphasizes capturing the unique characteristics of its Helderberg location while applying techniques refined in Bordeaux's prestigious châteaux.
The winemaking process includes careful handling of the fruit and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the distinctive character of the grapes. Following fermentation, the wines undergo aging in French oak barrels, imparting structure and complexity while allowing the fruit character to remain prominent.
This combination of South African terroir with French winemaking expertise has positioned Anwilka as a producer of structured, elegant wines that showcase the potential of the Helderberg region within the broader Stellenbosch appellation.