Some wine stories begin in the cellar. This one started almost 100 years ago.
The du Bois family has been growing grapes in Stellenbosch since 1931, supplying fruit to some of the Cape’s most respected wineries. For generations, their vineyards helped produce award-winning wines under other labels, but they always dreamed of creating something they could proudly call their own.
That dream became a reality last year with the launch of the Sonop Chenin Blanc 2024, which sold out in just four months. Now, the family is back with the Sonop Chenin Blanc 2025, and they believe this release is even better.
The wine is crafted from heritage bush vines planted in 1982 and 1986 on the slopes of Sonop Hill, overlooking Koelenhof in Stellenbosch. The vines grow in shale-rich soils that encourage deep root systems, allowing them to produce grapes with incredible concentration and natural freshness. A cool 2025 growing season, healthy rainfall and near-perfect ripening conditions all contributed to what the family describes as an exceptional vintage.
What does it taste like?
This is a Chenin Blanc that immediately grabs your attention. In the glass, it pours a beautiful pale gold, while the nose is fresh and expressive with aromas of white flowers, ripe peach and a delicate hint of savoury spice.
Take your first sip and you’ll discover layers of white pear, crisp green apple, grapefruit and juicy peach, all balanced by a bright, zesty acidity that keeps every mouthful fresh. As the wine opens up, more complex flavours begin to emerge, including notes of ginger, cloves and a subtle gravelly minerality that reflects the unique Stellenbosch terroir.
What makes this wine particularly impressive is its balance. It starts off elegant and restrained before revealing richer fruit flavours and a beautifully textured palate. The time spent ageing on the lees adds depth and a smooth, mouth-coating texture, while the vibrant acidity keeps everything lively from start to finish. It’s the kind of wine that’s just as enjoyable with food as it is on its own.
While it’s drinking beautifully now, the Sonop Chenin Blanc 2025 has also been built to age, meaning patient collectors can expect even greater complexity to develop over the coming years.
With only 5,500 bottles produced, this is a limited release, so wine lovers may want to secure a bottle sooner rather than later.
Average SA Verdict
South Africa has earned a global reputation for producing outstanding Chenin Blanc, and the Du Bois Vineyards Sonop Chenin Blanc 2025 is another great example of why. It’s fresh, elegant, beautifully layered and packed with character. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or opening it for a special dinner with friends, this is a bottle that showcases the passion, patience and heritage of one Stellenbosch family nearly a century in the making.
