About
Welcome to Kunjani...
Kunjani is the latest addition to the Bottelary Hills sub-route of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Paul Barth & Pia Watermeyer, husband-and-wife team and owners of Kunjani, have created a contemporary and soulful establishment that reflects cross-continental influences like no other in the Winelands of the Western Cape. It is here where good food, fine wine and luxurious accommodation combine to truly reflect the good life … and the true character of this spectacular place where love and passion are reflected in every creation.
Kunjani means ‘Hi, how are you?’ and that is exactly how friendships start.
We look forward to welcoming you at Kunjani.
Kunjani Wines
- Farm 90, 20 Blumberg Drive, Stellenbosch, 7600
- +27 (0) 87 630 0409
- info@kunjaniwines.co.za
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Paul Barth grew up between his father’s Riesling vines in Germany’s beautiful Rheingau region. Over the past decades he has established his own building business, but in more recent years he has been dreaming of his own winery in South Africa – now his home.
Paul met Pia Watermeyer by chance at a mutual friend’s wedding. It was an instant connection, despite Pauls very limited command of the English language. Pia, a successful businesswoman in her own right, was not easily won over by this charming German. It took months of Paul getting friends to type messages in English to this enchanting woman. Pia’s zest for life and infectious energy soon turned Pauls second home, South Africa, into his first.
Paul and Pia’s love for wine and people soon lead them to looking for the perfect farm to call home. After Pia has seen the Kunjani property and adjacent vineyards, she knew it was the right fit. Paul, however needed a little more persuading. After a visited to the property and a walk in his now beloved vineyard, he knew this was the right property.
After two years of planning and building, our tasting room and restaurant now greet you as you drive up Blumberg drive - a magnificent and striking building that is the perfect representation of Pauls German precision and Pia’s South African soulfulness.
The winery’s design puts a modern twist on Cape Dutch architecture with its charcoal exterior and red sliding screens, which were inspired by the patterns painted on West African mud huts. The interiors are equally daring with a laser-cut staircase and wine display, graphic wallpaper, and bright red accents.
Kunjani’s interior was created by co-owner Pia Watermeyer and the iconic Haldane Martin. As a designer, Haldane has been instrumental in the emergence of a new South African design language and identity. He successfully transformed Pia’s concept and brand essence into an innovative, stylish and soulful interior with a unique character. This includes custom fittings, luxurious finishes and unique furniture as well as selected artworks by local artists, Krisjan Rossouw and Peter Pharoah.
Winemaker - Karmen Stevens
The award-winning winemaker, Carmen Stevens, is responsible for creating Kunjani’s wines. Carmen graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural College near Stellenbosch in 1995, becoming the first black winemaker in South Africa. She joined Distell as assistant winemaker for the Zonnebloem brand. Later she took on the role as winemaker for Distell’s new Tukulu brand, a black empowerment project.
Two award-winning top 10 Pinotages, a stint in California and representing Tukulu abroad was followed by a period at Welmoed for Stellenbosch Vineyards. Then she spent 8 years at Amani where she won the 2008 Decanter Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy for her Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006.
Today Carmen utilises Kunjani’s very own shiraz grapes and sources other varieties used in the estate’s wines. “We are very meticulous about where and from whom we buy grapes,” says Carmen. “Quality is of utmost importance as we strive to always put the best in every bottle of Kunjani wine.” The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards adjacent to the property are managed by the team at Kunjani, providing a hands-on approach for all red wines in the portfolio.
Kunjani has only 2½ hectares under shiraz vineyards the estate’s Riesling is imported from Germany’s Rheingau region.
Wine Tasting
Kunjani wine tastings are conducted seven days a week and offer patrons the opportunity to explore the 6 wines in the Kunjani portfolio in a relaxed atmosphere. The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tastings are offered between 10h00 and 17h00 daily.
We welcome wine clubs, wine tasting groups and tourist groups, please book with us.
Kunjani Shiraz
An inviting nose of white pepper and paprika spice fused with black
olives and a savoury soy sauce aroma.VINTAGE – 2015
VARIETAL – Shiraz
REGION – Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch, South Africa
VOLUME – 750mlStolen Chicken Rosé
A pale rose gold colour greets the taster. Lime aromas are fused with
ripe raspberry fruit. The nose shows a fullness with a lively refreshing
element.VINTAGE – 2018
VARIETAL – Shiraz
REGION – Stellenbosch, South Africa
VOLUME – 750mlKunjani Sauvignon Blanc 2018
A very light straw colour greets the taster. Inviting summer fruits of
limes, sweet ripe granadilla and a hint of freshly sliced ripe papaya
and green figs are expressed in the glass.VINTAGE – 2018
VARIETAL – Sauvignon Blanc
REGION – Paarl, South Africa
VOLUME – 750mlKunjani Chenin Blanc 2018
The palate entrance of the Chenin Blanc is smooth and
fresh yet has the fullness to cut through the acidityVINTAGE – 2018
VARIETAL – Chenin Blanc
REGION – Coastal
VOLUME – 750mlKunjani Merlot 2017
A beautiful complex fusion of sweet caramel, red bell peppers,
tobacco and spice is shown on the nose.VINTAGE – 2017
VARIETAL – Merlot
REGION – Devon Valley, South Africa
VOLUME – 750mlKunjani Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Dark chocolates, mint and black currant are shown at
first, followed by dried herbs, toasted oak and vanilla sweetnessVINTAGE – 2017
VARIETAL – Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION – Devon Valley, South Africa
VOLUME – 750mlKunjani wine tastings are conducted seven days a week and offer patrons the opportunity to explore the 6 wines in the Kunjani portfolio in a relaxed atmosphere. The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tastings are offered between 10h00 and 17h00 daily.
We welcome wine clubs, wine tasting groups and tourist groups, please book with us.
Carmen Stevens
The award-winning winemaker, Carmen Stevens, is responsible for creating Kunjani’s wines. Carmen graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural College near Stellenbosch in 1995, becoming the first black winemaker in South Africa. She joined Distell as assistant winemaker for the Zonnebloem brand. Later she took on the role as winemaker for Distell’s new Tukulu brand, a black empowerment project.
Two award-winning top 10 Pinotages, a stint in California and representing Tukulu abroad was followed by a period at Welmoed for Stellenbosch Vineyards. Then she spent 8 years at Amani where she won the 2008 Decanter Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy for her Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006.
Today Carmen utilises Kunjani’s very own shiraz grapes and sources other varieties used in the estate’s wines. “We are very meticulous about where and from whom we buy grapes,” says Carmen. “Quality is of utmost importance as we strive to always put the best in every bottle of Kunjani wine.” The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards adjacent to the property are managed by the team at Kunjani, providing a hands-on approach for all red wines in the portfolio.
Kunjani has only 2½ hectares under shiraz vineyards the estate’s Riesling is imported from Germany’s Rheingau region.
Private Self Catering Villas
The Villas are synonymous with the Stellenbosch Winelands’ allure and our restaurant’s modern design. They complement the estate’s boutique charm and boast an eclectic mix of elegant finishes and sophisticated designs. Villas are adorned with a collection of contemporary furnishes and local art, preserving the backdrop of the Estate’s fashionable ethos.
Villa kitchens are fully equipped with microwaves, dishwashers, fridges, coffee machines, dryers and washing machines to ensure a luxurious self-catering stay. All villas come with complimentary WiFi, smart televisions and wall-panel heating.
Bedrooms are furnished with fine percale linen and hypo-allergenic synthetic down pillows and duvets for extra comfort, as well as motion isolation beds and mattresses.
Each villa offers guests spacious interiors which honour their desire for privacy. Lounges open onto private shaded verandas offering barbeque facilities and exquisite views of Kunjani’s vineyards.
The sleek and sophisticated interiors were thoughtfully designed and created by co-owner Pia Watermeyer and extra luxuries such as Charlotte Rhys body products, handmade rusks, coffee pods and mineral water provides a refined touch your stay.
Self-catering stays make Kunjani Villas the ideal destination for romantic couples, families and business travellers.
From relaxed dining inside our contemporary designed restaurant to al fresco meals on the deck, Kunjani’s superb gourmet cuisine boasts the very best of local and seasonal ingredients, taking diners on a culinary journey which encompasses both European and African influences.