Avontuur Estate
The home of Fine Wines
and Fast Horses
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Avontuur Estate produces 2 wine ranges, a Methode Cap Classique Brut and a pot-stilled, hand-crafted brandy.
We also pride ourselves with offering a top-quality Estate Range and our limited volume Premiere Range, which reflects the best our winemaker can produce in a particular year.
The wine cellar at Avontuur Estate was built in 1986 and the first red wine bottled under the Estate name was the 1987 Pinotage. The first white was the 1987 blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chenin Blanc and the first pink was the 1987 Blanc de Noir.
At Avontuur Estate we grow 3 white grape varietals, namely Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, as well as 7 red varietals, namely Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot.
The total Hectares under vines is 17 for the white grapes and 34 for the red grapes.
A History of our Estate
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1862
The arrival of the first Taberer to South Africa, Canon Charles Taberer. As a 19 year old missionary he was posted to
St Matthews Mission, in the Ciskei region of the Eastern Cape. He became a dedicated teacher and school Principal, defending and sheltering many of the local people during the war periods.
1897
Charles’ son, Walter Stringfellow “Sonny”, who grew up at St. Matthews and schooled in Grahamstown, migrated north to Rhodesia. He was sworn in as Justice of the Peace and Chief Native Commissioner. Soon after he became involved and well respected in the tobacco industry. He was a prominent sportsman along with brother Henry.
1916
Blanche Hereford Taberer (wife of “Sonny”), wins a horse race at Salisbury racing club with a horse called Regained in family colours.
1936
The birth of Tony Taberer, only son of Charles and Ruby. Tony also attended St. Andrews having to journey 4 days by train while caring for his younger sister Jen.
1956
1974
An interest in horses and racing is somewhat “Regained” when Tony saw the trophy won by grandmother Blanche in 1916. He later established Borrowdale Stud in Zimbabwe attaining Champion Breeder and Vendor status in proceeding years.
1981
Tony’s marries the beautiful Linda (nee Kloppers, born 1958), a Miss SA Legs and runner-up Miss SA, who came from a sound farming family.
1984
Avontuur wine farm is acquired by Tony. Lindy’s parents, Manie and Stella, successfully managed the farming operation for a number of years in it’s earliest stages.
1988
Avontuur Horse Stud is introduced it’s founding bloodstock. Tony is appointed Chairman of Borrowdale Race Course hosting the Pope among many other celebrities. Avontuur’s appoints founding winemaker Jean-Luc Sweerts.
1989
Avontuur release it’s first own-label wine, the flagship today, Baccarat and Taberer owned Right Prerogative wins the prestigious Durban July. The 90’s saw the building and completion of the current 350 ton cellar, restaurant and tasting room.
2000
Avontuur, under winemaker Lizelle Gerber, wins a Pinotage Top 10, followed by the SAA Selection White Wine Trophy for Chardonnay Reserve ’99. Avontuur brand gains significant traction as a wine and a horse stud.
2006
Avontuur’s most successful stallion, VAR, is acquired from overseas. Additional 30Ha of land acquired to make Avontuur a total of 111 Ha.
2007
Tony Taberer passes away leaving a wonderful legacy for his family to continue. Tony’s eldest son, Blair, takes the helm for a few years before being joined and eventually succeeded by brothers and current owners Michael and Philip.
2011
A revitalized strategy implemented to build Avontuur brand as “the home of fine wine and fast horses” – the slogan coined by Tony Taberer. Introduction of top quality pedigrees ensued under the management of Pippa Mickleburgh and premium wines under newly appointed winemaker Jan Van Rooyen.
2020
Avontuur Manor House is renovated and converted into a luxurious accommodation offering. The barrel cellar is renovated into a top class wedding and function venue.
Present
The Taberer business attributes continue with various interests and a well diversified portfolio with multinational exposure developed over the years. Currently, brothers Michael and Philip (son’s of the late Tony Taberer) own and manage Avontuur Estate, which businesses include farming, wine production, thoroughbred horse breeding, hospitality and property.
- CELLAR CAPACITY -
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A total storage capacity of
300,000 l
in Stainless Steel tanks
- WHITE VARIETALS -
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A current total of
3
white varietals grown on the Estate
- RED VARIETALS -
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A current total of
7
red varietals grown on the Estate
