Ladybird Vineyards

Organic Simonsberg, renamed and renewed

Ladybird Vineyards is an organic wine estate on the Simonsberg near Stellenbosch—formerly Laibach, purchased by neighbouring Kanonkop Estate (Johann & Paul Krige) in April 2022 and rebranded Ladybird. The ~40 ha property includes roughly 36 ha of organically farmed vineyards, the original cellar, and guest accommodation. The name honours ladybirds as natural enemies of mealybug, a major Cape vineyard pest and leafroll-virus vector—biology made brand.

Tastings are not primarily run on the Ladybird property for casual visitors: the estate directs guests to taste Ladybird wines at partner Kanonkop Wine Estate. Online sales and a lodge stay remain part of the Ladybird offering.

From Good Success to Laibach to Ladybird

Farm history reaches to 1818, when Dutchman Daniel Johannes van Ryneveld owned a vast property named "Good Success" covering much of the valley between Simonsberg, Kanonkop and Klapmuts. Subdivision later created Warwick, De Goede Sukses and the remainder that became Laibach in 1994, when German entrepreneur Friedrich Laibach realised a vineyard dream. Organic conversion began around 2000; viticulturist Michael Malherbe (farm manager since 1994) studied organic systems in California. In 2022 the Krige family of Kanonkop acquired the farm, kept key staff (Michael & Anél Malherbe, winemaker Francois van Zyl), phased out the Laibach label, and unified identity under the already-loved Ladybird range. Distribution aligned with DGB, which also handles Kanonkop.

Neighbours of note: Kanonkop, Warwick, Marklew and Lievland—prime Simonsberg red-wine company. Johann Krige has publicly framed the rename as carrying forward an established consumer brand that already expressed the farm’s organic ethos.

Organic viticulture in practice

Ladybird farms without synthetic herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers, building soil organic matter with cover crops, controlling weeds physically, encouraging airflow around fruit, and seeding fennel and yarrow as breeding habitat for beneficial insects. Ladybirds are bred by a local insectary and hand-released each season. Deep Clovelly / Glenrosa red clay soils on north-east Simonsberg slopes hold moisture so the farm uses very little irrigation; yields average about 35–40 hl/ha, with meticulous pruning (estate copy cites ~16 buds per vine versus a more typical 36). Cooling False Bay maritime winds complete a classic Simonsberg red-wine climate.

Plantings include Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Winemaking is traditionalist and low-intervention—aimed at showing deep red Simonsberg soils rather than heavy cellar cosmetics. Francois van Zyl (Elsenburg Dux, European vintages in Rioja, Pomerol, Margaux and elsewhere) has been with the property since the late 1990s. Mealybug management still combines ladybirds with other biological tools because ants can protect mealybugs from predators—honest organic farming, not folklore.

Wines to know

Signature and shop-listed wines include:

• Ladybird Red and Ladybird White — flagship organic blends that carried the brand before the full rename
• Sur Lie Chenin Blanc — older organic Chenin blocks, natural ferment / extended lees; layered stone fruit, spice and creamy texture with ageing potential
• Claypot Merlot — wild cherry, plum, dark chocolate, silky tannins; a house calling card

Single-cultivar organic bottlings and further reds appear depending on vintage. Ecocert certification has historically underpinned the organic claim—"The Ladybird" was promoted as an early organic red from the Simonsberg ward. Shop online via ladybirdvineyards.co.za (SA delivery; free shipping thresholds apply; mixed cases in multiples of six). Wine Club membership unlocks purchase discounts.

Visiting and accommodation

• Tastings: Conducted at Kanonkop Wine Estate—plan your cellar-door stop there and ask for the Ladybird range
• Lodge: Ladybird Vineyards Lodge offers eight spacious rooms with breakfast included
• Email: wine@ladybirdvineyards.co.za
• Phone (wine route listing): +27 21 884 4511
• Confirm lodge booking channels and Kanonkop tasting hours before travel

There is no expectation of a full independent restaurant experience on the Ladybird footprint for day visitors; treat it as an organic brand within the Kanonkop family orbit, with lodge guests getting the on-farm stay.

Simonsberg itinerary fit

Ladybird is ideal for travellers chasing certified organic Stellenbosch wine and iconic Simonsberg reds without leaving the Kanonkop–Warwick neighbourhood. Taste at Kanonkop, sleep at the lodge if you want vineyard quiet, and order Sur Lie Chenin or Claypot Merlot online if you cannot visit. It pairs naturally with a Greater Simonsberg day (Kanonkop, Warwick, neighbouring estates) rather than a Bottelary granite circuit.

Visit tips

• Taste Ladybird at Kanonkop, not as a separate walk-in assumption
• Ask about organic farming and ladybird releases—the pest-story is genuine
• Signature bottles: Ladybird Red/White, Sur Lie Chenin, Claypot Merlot
• Lodge for breakfast-inclusive Simonsberg stays
• Shop online for SA delivery; join the wine club for 10% off

FAQ

Was Ladybird always called Ladybird?

The farm was Laibach until the 2022 Kanonkop purchase; the Ladybird wine range became the whole-estate brand.

Are the wines organic?

Yes—the estate emphasises organically grown Simonsberg fruit and related certification heritage (Ecocert historically associated with the Ladybird red).

Where do I taste?

At partner Kanonkop Wine Estate; confirm current flight details with Kanonkop when booking.