DeMorgenzon DMZ Chardonnay

Situated in Stellenbosch, DeMorgenzon (the morning sun) was purchased in 2003 by Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum and since then, they’ve transformed the estate into a 91ha “garden vineyard,” with 55ha dedicated to carefully tended vines. With parts of the estate ranging from 200m to 400m above sea level, the views of the mountains, the sea, and the surrounding area from the property heavily influenced what was planted and where; taking colours into account. Additionally, 10% of the estate has been set aside for the restoration of Renosterveld (a threatened habitat in the Cape Floral Kingdom), where 15ha of pine forest and other invasive species have been cleared and more is being done as necessary. 

Reflected in their Maestro series, since 2009, Baroque and early Classical music has been played to their growing vines as well as in the winery and cellar; the estate reports positive results from playing harmonious music. Although the winery is most widely recognized for their estate grown Chenin Blanc, they also dabble in other Southern France varietals such as Roussane, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marasanne, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache.