The Stellenryck collection of rare wines is intended for connoisseurs with discerning palates, who truly have an appreciation of the very finest.

That is why it is made from the world's noblest grape varieties, and only in exceptional vintage years.

The history of the wine reserved for the Stellenryck Collection starts years before it is made, when The Bergkelder, in its quest for excellence, selects choice plant material of noble varieties to be established in unirrigated vineyards in the Coastal Region of the Cape of Good Hope.

These vineyards, situated in the prime winegrowing areas of the Western Cape, possess the soils and climatic conditions which suit each of these classic cultivars and contribute to their individuality.

Close co-operation between the grape growers and The Bergkelder's viticulturist ensures that the practices such as pruning, trellising, canopy management and disease and pest control are closely monitored until harvesting, ensuring restricted yields and therefore concentrated, flavourful wines.

A further selection of vineyards occurs during the ripening stage when the quality history of each vineyard block is checked and the ripening grapes are continually tested - by means of chemical analysis as well as sensory evaluation - to determine which blocks show most promise of developing the desired quality. After harvesting, the yields from each selected vineyard are vinified separately.

The wines are then stringently tasted and tested by the Head Cellarmaster of The Bergkelder, Dr Pierre Marais. Only those adjudged by him to be the finest are chosen for the wines of the Stellenryck Collection.