Keermont
Summary
Keermont is a family-owned boutique winery in Stellenbosch's Blaauwklippen Valley, producing terroir-driven wines from 27-30 hectares of high-altitude vineyards where decomposed granite soils and cooling breezes create ideal conditions for their Syrah, Cabernet, and white blend portfolio. Under winemaker Alex Starey's consistent leadership since 2007, they maintain a minimal intervention approach with native yeast fermentations and sustainable farming practices, quietly crafting distinctive single-vineyard expressions that remain somewhat under-the-radar compared to South Africa's larger producers.
Heritage & Leadership
Keermont Vineyards was established in the early 2000s in South Africa's Stellenbosch region, specifically in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley. The estate, situated between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountain ranges, began commercial wine production in 2007, marking its entry into the South African fine wine landscape. The property itself has agricultural roots dating back to the 1700s, though its transformation into a dedicated wine estate is a relatively recent chapter in its history.
The Wroth family, with Mark Wroth as the primary owner, purchased the property in the early 2000s and has maintained it as a family-owned operation rather than a corporate entity. From the inception of the commercial winemaking project, Alex Starey has served as the winemaker, providing continuity and a consistent vision for the estate's wines. Under this leadership, Keermont has established itself as a boutique producer focused on expressing the distinctive terroir of its mountain vineyards.
Vineyards & Wines
Keermont's vineyards span approximately 27-30 hectares, planted at elevations ranging from 250 to 400 meters above sea level. This altitude, combined with cooling ocean breezes from nearby False Bay, creates a moderate climate that allows for slower, more even ripening of the grapes. The estate's soils consist primarily of decomposed granite and sandstone, typical of higher elevation Stellenbosch sites.
The vineyard plantings reflect a balanced approach to both red and white varieties. The red portfolio is anchored by Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, while the white varieties include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. This diversity allows Keermont to produce a range of wines that showcase the site's versatility.
Keermont's signature wines include the "Terrasse" white blend, the "Fleurfontein" sweet wine, and the "Keermont Estate Reserve" red blend. The estate has also developed a reputation for its single-vineyard Syrah wines, which highlight the nuanced differences between specific plots within the property. All grapes are harvested by hand, maintaining quality through careful selection in the vineyard.
Philosophy & Practice
Keermont follows a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the characteristics of the vineyard sites to shine through in the finished wines. For red wine production, the team utilizes open-top fermenters, and fermentations are conducted using native yeasts rather than commercial strains. This approach aligns with their philosophy of expressing terroir with minimal manipulation.
Aging takes place primarily in French oak barrels, providing structure and complexity while respecting the fruit character of the wines. Throughout the growing season, Keermont practices sustainable farming methods with minimal chemical inputs, working in harmony with the natural environment of the Blaauwklippen Valley.
The estate is a member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, connecting it to the broader wine community of the region. Keermont may also participate in South Africa's Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme, which promotes sustainable practices throughout the winemaking process. Through these approaches and associations, Keermont maintains its identity as a quality-focused producer dedicated to reflecting its unique corner of Stellenbosch in every bottle.