Rustenburg Stellenbosch Merlot

Originally granted in 1682 to a German settler, Rustenberg farm was bought by Peter and Pamela Barlow in 1941. They produce roughly 120 000 bottles annually from mainly red Bordeaux grape varieties cultivated in the rich Stellenbosch soils at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg Mountain. The force behind the 21st century renewal is Simon Barlow, son of Peter and Pamela. Simon considers himself to be a custodian of the farm, and is driven by his vision of “absolute passion and total dedication to quality in both the vineyard and cellar”. Today production is closer to 900 000 bottles.