Kanu Wines

Boutique Chenin from the Polkadraai Hills

Kanu is a boutique Stellenbosch producer on the R304 Koelenhof Road, set in the Polkadraai Hills on land once known as Goedgeloof (“good faith”). The brand name dates from 1997, though the farm’s deeper story reaches back to 1692 as part of the historic Nooitgedacht holdings. Today Kanu focuses on quality-driven whites and reds, with Chenin Blanc—including an Old Vine Chenin—at the heart of its reputation and cellar-door conversation.

This is a relaxed tasting stop rather than a sprawling tourism campus: a cosy tasting room, boards and oriental-style snacks, wines to buy on site, and an online shop for home delivery. It suits travellers building a Bottelary / Polkadraai / R304 day who want serious Chenin without a formal estate-lunch reservation.

History, ownership and relocation

Kanu’s modern chapter is unusually mobile for a Stellenbosch label. Fruit for early Kanu wines was linked to the Goedgeloof farm, later purchased by Hydro Holdings (then owners of renowned Mulderbosch Vineyards) from longtime Joubert-family owners. A multi-million-rand revitalisation followed: a state-of-the-art cellar with its own laboratory, and the Kanu brand as visitors know it today.

Ownership later shifted again. When American investors acquired the Mulderbosch brand with Goedgeloof, Kanu relocated to the former Mulderbosch farm—gaining cooler maritime influence from the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula and a terroir reputation the team wanted to protect. Underperforming vineyard blocks were uprooted. The operation evolved into a boutique producer that could source grapes more widely across the Western Cape, matching cultivar to site while keeping a Stellenbosch cellar door.

Late 2017 brought another ownership change and a renewed brief: refocus on the quality red and white wines that built the brand’s awards track record. The result is leaner, more intentional Kanu—estate character where it matters, regional fruit where it lifts the glass, and a tasting room that still feels farm-scale rather than corporate.

Wines to know

Kanu is widely recognised for Chenin Blanc. Secondary industry listings note that the estate was among a small group awarded inaugural “Super Chenin” status by the South African Chenin Blanc Association—recognition reserved for producers with a track record of consistently outstanding bottlings. Whether or not every visitor knows that badge, the glass usually makes the case.

The Old Vine Chenin Blanc is the flagship ask. Published tasting notes describe pale gold with a green-tinged rim; a nose that opens from shy to multi-layered citrus peel, mango, peach kernel, mandarin and spearmint; a powerful entry with stone fruit, wet-pebble minerality and vanillin from oak; waxiness from malolactic fermentation in barrel; and a long, contemplative finish. Winemaking emphasises minimal interference: hand sorting, whole-bunch pressing, natural fermentation, lees contact (barrels rolled weekly), about ten months in seasoned 400 L French oak and tank, light filtration, no fining. Harmless crystals may precipitate over time—an honest sign of low intervention.

A more everyday Chenin Blanc sits alongside for cellar-door and case buyers. The broader range has historically spanned Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz/Syrah. Confirm the current flight when you book; expect Chenin’s Stellenbosch voice first, then reds and aromatic whites as available. Online bottle pricing published for recent seasons has placed standard Chenin in an accessible band and Old Vine Chenin at a collector premium—always check the live shop.

Visiting the tasting room

Typical hours (verify before travel): Wednesday–Sunday 09:00–16:00; Monday and Tuesday closed. Contact: +27 (0)21 865 2488, info@kanu.co.za. Address: R304 Koelenhof Road, Stellenbosch. Website: kanu.co.za.

Tastings are framed as a five-senses experience—wine with meat and cheese boards or oriental delicacies. Older Stellenbosch Wine Route copy also mentions underground barrel-cellar tasting, bass fishing, putt-putt, and Du Vin Asian-fusion (izakaya-style) dining with sushi-and-wine pairing. Treat restaurant and activity details as confirm-on-site, because offerings can change with ownership and seasons; the constant is the tasting room and the Chenin story.

Groups should book. Solo travellers and couples often find weekday afternoons quieter. Buy what you love before you leave, or reorder online so you are not ferrying cases through the rest of your Stellenbosch itinerary.

How Kanu fits a Stellenbosch day

Park Kanu on a north-western loop with other Polkadraai and Bottelary stops. It is especially good for:

• Chenin hunters comparing old-vine expressions across Stellenbosch
• Visitors who want boards rather than a three-course wine-farm lunch
• Families seeking a casual farm stop (confirm kid-friendly options on the day)
• Collectors requesting specific Old Vine Chenin vintages

First-timers can start on the standard Chenin flight and trade up; return visitors should ask what is new in barrel or limited release.

Visit tips

• Location: R304 Koelenhof Road, Polkadraai Hills / Koelenhof area, Stellenbosch
• Website: kanu.co.za
• Phone: +27 (0)21 865 2488 · Email: info@kanu.co.za
• Open Wed–Sun 9am–4pm (confirm); closed Mon–Tue
• Signature ask: Old Vine Chenin Blanc; Super Chenin pedigree
• Boards and tasting-room snacks; confirm Du Vin / sushi pairing if you want a full meal
• Wines also sold online for home delivery
• Book ahead for groups and peak weekends
• Combine with other R304 / Bottelary Hills cellar doors the same day

FAQ

Where is Kanu?

On the R304 Koelenhof Road in Stellenbosch’s Polkadraai Hills, on historic Goedgeloof land with roots tied to the old Nooitgedacht farm (from 1692 in estate narrative).

What is Kanu best known for?

Boutique Chenin Blanc—especially Old Vine Chenin—and a compact range of Stellenbosch and Western Cape whites and reds backed by an awards-led reputation.

Do I need to book?

Walk-ins may be possible in quiet periods, but booking by phone or via the website is wise for weekends, groups, and any food pairing.

Is there a restaurant?

The tasting room offers boards and oriental-style snacks; fuller restaurant concepts (including historic Du Vin / sushi pairing mentions) should be confirmed directly before you rely on them for a meal plan.