Ken Forrester Wines: Stellenbosch’s Chenin Blanc Haven

Nestled on the gentle slopes of Stellenbosch’s Helderberg Mountain, Ken Forrester Wines welcomed me with the aroma of blooming geraniums, a glass of their iconic FMC Chenin Blanc, and a view of vineyards framed by rugged peaks. As a wine enthusiast for CapeVineMaster.co.za, my visit to this family-run estate, just 10 minutes from Stellenbosch’s vibrant center, was a joyful immersion into South Africa’s “Home of Chenin Blanc.” Founded in 1993 by Ken and Teresa Forrester, this historic winery blends heartfelt hospitality, sustainable farming, and award-winning wines that have captivated palates worldwide. From its rustic tasting lounge to its lush vineyards and farmyard charm, Ken Forrester Wines is a Stellenbosch treasure that invites you to sip, savor, and stay awhile.

A Legacy of Passion and Restoration

Ken Forrester Wines began with a bold vision in 1993, when Ken, a former restaurateur with a knack for hospitality, and his wife Teresa purchased Scholtzenhof, a 17th-century farmstead established in 1689. The Cape Dutch homestead was derelict, its vineyards neglected, but the Forresters saw potential in the 38-hectare property, nestled 5km from the cool Atlantic and sheltered by the Helderberg. With help from winemaker Martin Meinert, they restored the homestead, replanted vines, and produced their first vintage in 1994—a modest 400 cases of Sauvignon Blanc. By 2000, their Chenin Blanc, later named FMC (Forrester Meinert Chenin), caught global attention at a London trade show, earning Ken the title “Mr. Chenin” and cementing the estate’s reputation.

Today, Ken, alongside winemaker Shawn Mathyse and viticulturist Peter Rossouw, crafts wines that reflect Stellenbosch’s terroir and their commitment to sustainability. The estate’s organic farming, hand-harvesting, and community focus—employing 40 extra workers through labor-intensive practices—create a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Visitors are greeted by rescue dogs, horses, geese, and ducks, adding to the farm’s pastoral charm. The Forresters’ hospitality shines through, making every guest feel like part of their story, which includes serving wines at Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday and the Scottish Parliament’s opening.

Vineyards and Varieties: The Heart of Chenin Blanc

Ken Forrester’s 38 hectares of estate vineyards, plus 54 hectares under lease, thrive in Stellenbosch’s cool-climate embrace, where maritime breezes and granite-rich soils produce grapes with vibrant acidity and depth. The jewel is the FMC vineyard, planted in 1970, meticulously studied with drones and multispectral imaging to ensure selective picking across 10–14 passes during harvest. This dedication yields low, concentrated fruit, ideal for their celebrated Chenin Blancs and Rhône-style blends.

The estate’s key grape varieties include:

Chenin Blanc: The star, with tropical fruit and elegance.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and zesty, a food-friendly delight.
Syrah: Spicy and bold, thriving in Helderberg’s warmth.
Grenache: Rare in Stellenbosch, adding red-fruit intensity.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre: For robust blends.
Pinotage, Roussanne, Viognier: Supporting vibrant blends.

These cultivars, hand-pruned and harvested, express the estate’s philosophy: crafting wines that sing with purity and pair beautifully with food. The Icon Range, including FMC and The Gypsy, uses single-parcel vines for intensity, while the Petit Range offers approachable, everyday sipping.

The Wines: A Celebration of Craft

Ken Forrester’s portfolio spans four ranges—Petit, Reserve, Icon, and Cellar Exclusives—each showcasing Stellenbosch’s terroir and earning accolades like the Decanter World Wine Awards’ Best in Show for the Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc. Here’s what I tasted:

Petit Chenin Blanc 2024: Bright pear and lime, perfect for casual sipping.
Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023: Textural with peach, honeysuckle, and spice, a global favorite.
FMC Chenin Blanc 2022: Rich pineapple, vanilla, and candied lemon, a layered masterpiece.
Sparklehorse Cap Classique 2019: Effervescent Chenin with green apple and brioche, a festive sparkler.
Renegade 2021: Grenache-Syrah blend with pepper, cherry, and smoky depth.
The Gypsy 2021: Grenache-Syrah from old vines, bursting with plum, red currant, and white pepper.
Dirty Little Secret THREE NV: Piekenierskloof Chenin with honey, apricot, and mineral purity, a rare gem.

Priced from R90 (Petit) to R650 (FMC), the wines are available at the estate’s shop or online at kenforresterwines.com, with free shipping on orders over R1500. Each bottle reflects Ken’s vision of handcrafted elegance, designed to elevate meals from wagyu burgers to guinea fowl.

The Tasting Lounge: A Homely Retreat

The Old Barrel Cellar tasting lounge, renovated in 2018, is a cozy haven with wooden tables, award-adorned walls, and a patio overlooking vineyards and the Helderberg. Open Monday–Friday (9am–5pm) and Saturday (10am–4pm), it offers tastings like the Icon (R150, 4 wines) or Best of Both Worlds (R100), often paired with Dalewood cheese or wagyu platters (R200 for two). Bookings are recommended at info@kenforresterwines.com.

My Icon tasting, guided by the charming Vuyo, was a highlight, with the FMC’s complexity shining alongside a charcuterie board. The relaxed pace, as Tripadvisor reviewers note, lets you savor each pour while soaking in the countryside vibe. The lounge’s rustic charm, complete with red geraniums and oak-shaded seating, invites lingering, and the farm’s animals add a playful touch. The adjacent shop stocks wines, biltong, and jalapeño jam, perfect for souvenirs.

Dining and Experiences: A Taste of Stellenbosch

Ken Forrester Wines is a destination for wine and food lovers, with offerings that celebrate Stellenbosch’s heritage:

96 Winery Road Restaurant: Just steps from the tasting room, this acclaimed eatery (open daily for lunch and dinner) serves dishes like pork belly or grilled sirloin, paired with Forrester wines. Co-owned by Ken, it’s a Stellenbosch dining gem.
Wine Tastings: From the Petit (R60, waived with two-bottle purchase) to curated “off the books” tastings, the lounge offers options for all, with staff sharing the estate’s history.
Seasonal Events: The 25-Year Celebratory Tasting Series (ending November 2025) features rare vintages and long-table lunches with live music, supporting Spark Schools’ education initiatives.
Farm Walks: Stroll the estate to spot fish eagles, harrier hawks, or competition horses, with the dam and vineyards offering serene views.
Private Functions: The lounge and restaurant host weddings and events, blending wine, food, and mountain vistas.

The estate’s accessibility, pet-friendly vibe, and kid-welcoming spaces make it ideal for families, couples, or groups seeking authentic hospitality.

Final Thoughts

My day at Ken Forrester Wines was a love letter to Stellenbosch’s soul, leaving me with a bottle of Old Vine Reserve, a heart warmed by Vuyo’s stories, and a longing to return for a sunset platter. The estate’s blend of world-class Chenin Blanc, rustic charm, and heartfelt hospitality makes it a must-visit, just 45 minutes from Cape Town. Book your tasting, savor a meal at 96 Winery Road, and raise a glass to a winery that’s as vibrant as its wines. Ken Forrester Wines isn’t just a vineyard—it’s a celebration of life, love, and Chenin Blanc.

Plan your visit at KenForresterWines.com and join CapeVineMaster.co.za’s monthly tastings for more wine adventures!