Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centred largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world.
The farm itself dates back to 1685 when it was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel who was Governor of the Cape of Good Hope at the time. This makes Muratie one of the oldest estates in South Africa and along with that age comes many characters and truly fascinating stories.
So the Muratie story begins…. in 1685, Governor Simon van der Stel granted Muratie to a young German soldier. His name was Laurens Campher and he had a great love of the soil. However, he had an even greater love − a slave girl named Ansela van de Caab. For 14 years he’d walk 64 km (a 3-day trip) to see his beloved Ansela. When she was eventually emancipated, Ansela returned as Laurens’ wife to Muratie. To this day the oak she planted to bless their marriage still stands … in the same soil Laurens loved so much.
The Melck family has revived its rich heritage in a classical evolution of the brand, naming its range after many of these colourful characters. For example, the MCC bubbly is known as Lady Alice. She is joined by Ansela van de Caab (blended red), George Paul Canitz (Pinot Noir), Ronnie Melck (Shiraz), Alberta Annemarie (Merlot), Laurens Campher (blended white), Isabella (Chardonnay) and Ben Prins (Port). We will be building our range of Muratie wines, currently we also stock: Martin Melck (Cabernet Sauvignon) and his Melck’s Blended Red.
Muratie’s rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have Lived and worked here. The buildings, the artifacts and even the shrubs and trees exude an aura of the colourful past reaching towards an even more fruitful future.
We lived and worked in Stellenbosch for many years. Lucas used to travel past every day on his way to the vineyard where he fell in love with everything about South African wine. Over the years, Lucas travelled many miles around the Cape Winelands – learning the trade in various wine estates and then taking tourists around the area to taste the wines and learn about the rich South African history. (We set up and owned Tsiba Tsiba Wine Tours, Stellenbosch – and were very proud to quickly become the #1 Wine Tour Operator on Trip Advisor!)
Muratie was always a firm favourite – there is something so amazingly special about this place! The history, the passionate stories and of course, the wine. It is a unique and quicky tasting room, nothing is rushed – everything happens in African time and don’t forget the ducks running around the vineyard – they are working hard, with a serious role as pest control.
Character, quality and huge personality – you will love these wines!
Find out more at: muratie.co.za
