Kanonkop is a fourth generation family estate, which was originally purchased by JW Sauer, a cabinet member in the parliament of the Union of South Africa. His son Paul Oliver Sauer, also a cabinet minister, took over the reins from his father and in 1968 was joined by Springbok rugby great Jan “Boland” Coetzee.
Mary Sauer, daughter of Paul Sauer, inherited the Estate. She married Jannie Krige, a rugby administrator at the University of Stellenbosch, who took early retirement and together with Coetzee made the first estate bottled wines in 1973.
Beyers Truter joined the estate in 1980 with the departure of Coetzee, and together with Johann and Paul, sons of Mary and Jannie, continued the traditions developed on this highly prized estate. More recently Beeslaar, who joined the team in 2002, has taken over from Beyers and continues the good work passed down from generation to generation.
To ensure Kanonkop remains at the forefront of technology, the production cellar has been upgraded, the number of small barrels increased significantly to extend wood maturation potential and the laboratory refurbished and updated with state of the art equipment including new heating and cooling systems. New hand-sorting tables have been incorporated into the grape reception area to ensure only the best grapes are used.
To accommodate the growing number of local and international visitors to the Estate, a new tasting room-reception area has been completed. This is in line with the growing popularity of the Cape as a holiday destination and similar interest in South African wines.