Simonsberg

Simonsberg is a ward in the Western Cape of South Africa, situated between the regions of Paarl and Stellenbosch. The ward is named after and located on the prime foothills of the Simonsberg mountains, found to the south of Paarl, which meet the mountains and valleys of Groot Drakenstein and Franschhoek.

Winemaking in Paarl, to the north, is a coastal area growing more mountainous as you move in-land. It has a particularly warm growing season, usually demanding irrigation before harvest. However, on most of the east-facing aspect vineyards irrigation is often not needed at all due to the excellent water retention of these plots.

Stellenbosch, in comparison, is a smaller but intensively farmed wine of origin (W.O.) district. It's divided up into smaller viticultural areas, including the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch region, and is home to over 170 estates and producers. Stellenbosch is also where you will find South Africa's educational and research centre and Stellenbosch University, the only higher education University in South Africa offering degrees in viticulture and oenology.