About Us
Who We Are
Opstal Estate is a 7th-generation family-run estate, and welcoming people and sharing what we love is a big part of who we are. So, we’d love to invite all our fellow wine and food lovers to come and visit us at the Estate, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and make themselves at home.
You’ll find Opstal Estate tucked away at the foot of the Slanghoek Mountains, right in the heart of the beautiful Slanghoek Valley along the Breedekloof Wine Route, near Rawsonville.
The Extended Family
You know that feeling when you visit a place and it just feels like there are real people behind it? That’s Opstal. While there are plenty of spreadsheets, meetings and to-do lists behind the scenes, at the heart of it all is a small team of people who genuinely care about this place — and about the people who walk through our doors. We’re not quite sure how we ended up with such a colourful mix of personalities, talents and opinions in one team… but somehow it works!
The Louw's
Opstal has always been a family affair — and now there’s a new generation taking the reins. After many years at the heart of the farm, 6th-generation Stanley and Ria Louw have stepped back from the day-to-day management. Retired? Well… that’s what they say! 😉 Attie and Zak, have now taken over the management of Opstal, bringing their own ideas, energy and plenty of family history with them. Attie (Die Lange), our winemaker, or, and Zak (Die Korte), who heads up production, have grown up with Opstal in their blood. They know the farm, the vines and the people — and now they get to put their own stamp on the next chapter. Of course, Stanley and Ria aren’t going too far. This is a family farm, after all. There will always be an opinion, a story, or perhaps just a “quick suggestion” from the sidelines. 😉 And with the 7th generation now firmly at the helm — and the 8th generation already running around the farm — the legacy is in motion.
The Real Family
Behind every bottle of Opstal wine, there’s a whole team of people who make it possible. We’re lucky enough to have third-generation workers on the farm, people whose families have been part of Opstal for generations. With them comes something you simply can’t learn from a book — years of experience, knowledge of the land and a deep understanding of what it takes to get things done. For us, it’s about much more than growing grapes and making wine. It’s about people, family, shared history and looking after a place that has been home to generations.
Learn About Sixpence
Our People
When we say family, we mean it in every sense of the word.
Our production manager, Gerhard Theron, is the second generation of the Theron family to join Opstal. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Kobus, who dedicated 31 years to our vineyard. However, this legacy of commitment extends beyond Gerhard. We are also proud to have third-generation farm workers who have contributed significantly to Opstal's success over the years. In total, thirty families call Opstal home, living and working on the estate, creating a close-knit community that thrives on shared values and mutual support.
To honour this rich heritage, we created the Sixpence range, a tribute not only to the legendary figure of Sixpence, the shepherd, but also to all the remarkable individuals who have worked tirelessly at Opstal. This range symbolizes our deep appreciation for their dedication and hard work, which has been instrumental in shaping our winery's journey.
At Opstal, we believe that every family member—past and present—plays a vital role in our story. Their contributions have woven a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation that continues to guide us as we move forward. We invite you to join us in celebrating this legacy and enjoying our wines, which are crafted with care and steeped in history.