Surrounded by mountains and tucked into the hills of the Helderberg on a north facing slope, the terroir of Rust en Vrede is ideally suited to full bodied reds. We only want to produce the highest quality possible, which is why our focus is solely on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
SHOP ONLINEVintage variation reflects the unique weather conditions of each growing season, influencing a wine’s character and its potential to age gracefully. Rust en Vrede wines are known for their excellent ageing potential, and detailed vintage reports provide collectors with insights into each year’s distinct qualities.
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
Our Estate Vineyard Syrah is a typical expression of Stellenbosch, and owner Jean Engelbrecht’s favourite variety. Chosen in 2016 as one of Wine Spectator’s top 100 wines in the world.
Grapes for this wine come from 7 hectares of vineyard planted on the Rust en Vrede Estate.
18 months in 100% 500L French Oak barrels, using a combination of 16% new and 84% seasoned oak.
Rich on the nose, with aromas of wild strawberry, mulberry, and blueberry, with delicate floral notes of violet. Complex with well-defined layers, yet refined and elegant on the palate. Fine, spicy tannins are supported by well-integrated oak spice and a fresh acidity. A layered combination of red and black fruit on the palate that follows from the nose, and a lovely fresh red currant note on the finish.
Date Tasted: 19 June 2026
Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
Our Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is our longest standing tradition here at Rust en Vrede. The variety that Stellenbosch is most well-known for, Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon offers a concentrated and classic rendition of the variety.
Grapes for this wine come from 22 hectares of vineyard planted on the Rust en Vrede Estate.
18 months in 100% French oak barrels, using 20% new oak.
Perfumed aromas of lavender, black currant, cedar and vanilla. The palate is lively and expressive, offering layers of black and red cherries, complemented by hints of graphite, espresso, and dark chocolate. Firm, youthful tannins and zesty acidity provide structure, finishing with a lingering note of cherries. An elegant and refined Cabernet.
Date Tasted: 3 February 2025
Grape Varieties: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 7% Merlot
Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
The Estate blend is the emblematic wine of Rust en Vrede. The blend is made up of the proportions of varieties planted on Rust en Vrede, making it the most honest reflection of our terroir. Selected four times by Wine Spectator as one of the top 100 wines in the World.
Named to reflect the planting on the property, the grapes for this wine come from 22 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 hectares of Syrah and 1 hectare of Merlot
18 months in 100% French oak barrels, using 20% new oak
Inviting aromas of mulberry, blackberry, and cassis, with subtle hints of dried herbs, mocha, and graphite adding quiet depth. On the palate, ripe fruit carries through, supported by balanced acidity and fine tannins. Red cherry adds a lively note, with subtle layers tobacco and spice, making for an elegant, focused, and harmonious wine with a lingering finish.
Date Tasted: 15 January 2026
Grape Varieties: 100% Syrah
Single Vineyard Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
The Single Vineyard Syrah was conceptualised by Jean Engelbrecht as his generational contribution to the family legacy. A pure expression of only the best Syrah that Rust en Vrede has to offer.
Grapes are harvested from our oldest and best block of Syrah on the property.
Malolactic Fermentation in Barrel. 16 months in 100% French oak with 50% new and 50% 2nd fill, in 500l barrels medium toast barrels.
Expressive redcurrant, fresh plum, and blackberry compote jump out of the glass. Prosciutto, leather, and layers of spice add depth to the fruit with notes of vanilla, chilli-chocolate and black pepper. On the palate, balance is key with a play between sweet and savoury elements. Fine, grippy tannins combined with firm acidity create a powerful structure with layered fruit, perfume and spice adding complexity. The lingering finish indicates a quality wine that will age well over time.
Date tasted: 1 July 2022.
Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Single Vineyard Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
The Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was a natural addition to the range following the success of the Single Vineyard Syrah. A pure expression of only the best Cabernet Sauvignon that Rust en Vrede has to offer.
Vineyard Grapes are harvested from our oldest and best block of Cabernet Sauvignon on the property.
Malolactic Fermentation in Barrel. 22 months in 100% French oak with 50% new 300L medium toast barrels.
A prominent bouquet of cedar, pencil shavings and dark chocolate rounded out with cassis and black cherry. A full-bodied, classic Cabernet in a Bordeaux style, this wine shows fine-grained tannins and velvety acidity. Blackberries and mulberries complement savoury spice – coriander seed and juniper. Structured and powerful, this is a Cabernet that will continue developing complexity as it ages.
Date tasted: 1 July 2022.
Grape Varieties: 61% Syrah, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
Named to commemorate the date that Rust en Vrede was established, this is a slightly unusual blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with an emphasis on the opulence of Rust en Vrede Syrah. An exemplary combination of our two focus varieties.
Grapes are selected from the two single vineyard parcels of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the oldest and best vines on the Estate.
Malolactic Fermentation in Barrel. 22 months in 100% French oak with 50% new 300L barrels.
Pronounced red and black cherry on the nose. Flavours of cassis, cedar, cumin, and ground coriander combine with fine, ripe tannins that coat the palate. Defined cherry and blackberry notes lend a dark fruit backbone to balanced cedar spice, vanilla pudding, and liquorice that create a harmonious complexity on the palate. Well-structured and concentrated without being overbearing.
Date tasted: 1 July 2022.
Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate Wine
W.O. Stellenbosch
When Jean Engelbrecht opened the Rust en Vrede Restaurant with David Higgs in 2007, his ideas of food and wine began to evolve. The idea of a complete dining experience took root in his mind, and his experiences at top restaurants around the world always concluded with a digestif Cognac. Thus inspired, the idea of a Rust en Vrede Potstill Brandy was born. Conceived as a digestif, the Rust en Vrede Estate Potstill Brandy was created to be enjoyed after dinner, with good company.
The new wine spirit is aged at full strength in 300L French oak barrels previously used for maturing Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging for a minimum of 12 years takes place in barrel, with the oldest component for this first release being 15 years old.
This XO brandy is blended from barrels which have matured for a minimum of 12 years. Careful blending of spirit distilled in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 took place after maturation to ensure the highest possible quality brandy, in line with the winemaking tradition of Rust en Vrede. Finally, the brandy is reduced to a soft, palatable 38% abv before bottling.
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