The Malan family217;s winemaking history dates back to 1688 when Jacques Malan arrived in South Africa. In 1953, one of his descendants, Frans Malan planted vineyards on De Hoop, in the foothills of the Simonsbert Mountain outside Stellenbosch. 1968 saw the introduction of his first wines, sold under the Simonsig label. Today, Simonsig is owned by Frans’ sons – Francois, Pieter and Johan. Francois is the managing director and viticulturist, Pieter is the business director and Johan is the chief winemaker and cellar master. Johan makes all the wines except for Pinotage which is made by assistant winemaker Debbie Burden. She was named South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year 2005. The estate spans 518 acres and is planted on sandstone, decomposed granite and shale soils. Since 2010, Simonsig wines have been certified sustainable.