ABOUT US
De Krans Wine Cellar is situated along the upper reaches of the picturesque Gamka River Valley in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo. The rich and long history of the farm dates to 1890, when it was bought by the Nel family. The current cellar was built in 1964 by Chris Nel and his brother Danie. The first Portuguese grape variety in Calitzdorp was planted in 1973 at De Krans by a twist of fate. Chris Nel, father of Boets & Stroebel Nel, intended to plant Shiraz, which turned out to be Tinta Barocca, when the newly planted vineyard started bearing grapes in 1976! Since 1985 other classic Portuguese varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and Souzão, have been planted. De Krans is widely known as one of the leading producers of port-style wines, as well as one of the most innovative cellars in South Africa. De Krans was the first in South Africa to produce a Touriga Nacional as a dry red wine, made the first Pink Port-style wine, as well as the first Moscato perlé wine in South Africa. De Krans has recently been awarded for its innovation, winning the Most Innovative Wine Award for the De Krans Espresso, as well as for the De Krans MCC at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
The cellar has won more than 700 medals and awards (including multiple Veritas and Michelangelo double gold and gold awards) in the past 30 years and was crowned Champion Private Wine Cellar in the Klein Karoo region 6 times in the last 7 years. De Krans is not only known for its award-winning port-style wines, but also for its unique, high-quality red and white wines from Portuguese grape varieties. The 2015 De Krans Tritonia Calitzdorp Red Blend won the Best Non-Bordeaux Red Blend in South Africa at the 2017 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and got a 91-point rating by Tim Atkin MW.
De Krans has a focused range of classic varietal wines, made by using special winemaking techniques, to distinguish this range, namely our Free Run Chenin Blanc, Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Pinotage Dry Rosé and Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon.
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve is widely regarded as one of the best port-style wines in South Africa. The 2015 De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve was awarded 96 points by Tim Atkin MW in his 2017 South African report, making it the Best Fortified Wine in South Africa in 2017. Only traditional Portuguese varieties are used in all De Krans port-style wines. The whole range, namely the Original Cape Pink, Premium Cape Ruby, Cape Tawny Limited Release, Cape Vintage and Cape Vintage Reserve are made in the drier, traditional style. Eleven Cape Vintage Reserve wines from De Krans have now received the sought-after 5-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide.
Wine tasting is offered Monday to Saturday (9h00 to 16h30) and Sundays & Public Holidays (10h00 – 16h00) throughout the year. The tasting room, bistro and deli will be closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. There is also a 30-minute vineyard walking trail through the vineyards of De Krans.
Each year in February visitors get the chance to pick their own Hanepoot grapes at De Krans. From approximately the last week in November until the first week in December visitors can pick their own apricots on the farm as well.
Visitors can visit the De Krans Deli & Bistro for breakfast or lunch and enjoy a variety of meals prepared fresh on the premises each day. Guests can expect hearty, healthy and quality dishes, ranging from a variety of delicious breakfast options, open deli sandwiches, light lunches, a selection of gourmet burgers and seasonal salads. All the dishes have been paired to be enjoyed with wines from the De Krans range, creating the perfect food and wine pairing. For those with a sweet tooth be sure to keep an eye out for the delectable desserts on offer.
Our history
Five generations of the Nel family, one Klein Karoo farm, and a habit of doing things first — from a Shiraz vineyard that turned out to be Tinta Barocca, to South Africa's first Moscato Perlé.
The first Nel — Guillaume N(i)el — arrives in South Africa with the French Huguenots.
Family & farmThe first farm in Calitzdorp is established: Buffelsvallei.
Family & farmThe Nel family buys De Krans — part of the original Buffelsvallei farm.
Family & farmCalitzdorp is proclaimed a town.
Family & farmThe worst drought in living memory grips the Klein Karoo.
Forces of natureA giant tornado and hailstorm hit Calitzdorp.
Forces of natureThe first of De Krans's own grapes are planted.
Firsts & innovationCalitzdorp gets electricity.
Family & farmThe De Krans cellar is built by brothers Chris & Danie Nel.
Family & farmA twist of fate: Chris Nel plants what he believes is Shiraz. When the vines bear in 1976, it's Tinta Barocca — the first Portuguese variety in Calitzdorp.
Firsts & innovationThe first Cape-style fortified wine is produced at De Krans.
Firsts & innovationDe Krans becomes an Estate.
Family & farmA major flood forces the replanting of 10 hectares.
Forces of natureChris Nel passes away. His son Boets Nel takes over as winemaker and manager.
Family & farmBrother Stroebel Nel joins as farm manager and winemaker.
Family & farmA devastating hailstorm hits De Krans.
Forces of natureThe first Touriga Nacional is planted — De Krans would later make South Africa's first Touriga Nacional dry red.
Firsts & innovationThe biggest flood on record — 15 hectares replanted.
Forces of natureThe name changes from Die Krans to De Krans.
Family & farmPortugal claims sole rights to the word "port". South African producers can no longer use it on labels or in any written media.
Family & farmThe first Moscato Perlé in South Africa is launched — light, lightly sparkling, and lower in alcohol.
Firsts & innovationDe Krans opens the Bistro & Deli.
Family & farmThe worst drought in just over 100 years.
Forces of natureChristoff de Wet becomes De Krans Wines Cellar Master.
Family & farmSouth Africa's first and only P&T is launched — Cape Vintage Reserve, port-style, served long with tonic.
Firsts & innovation