Thelema | Stellenbosch
Thelema Mountain Vineyards (TMV) is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after names in South Africa. Situated high up the Helshootge pass to the east of the town of Stellenbosch, the farm comprises 157 hectares of land, where Gyles Webb has carved out an enviable reputation on the world wine scene for his extremely fine wines.
The estate-grown fruit at Thelema is planted on the slopes of the Helshootge mountain according to the grape varietal - so the highest vineyards are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, whilst the lower warmer slopes tend to favour the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties.
An ingenious system which analyses the water concentration in the vine leaves is employed to irrigate the vines just enough to keep them in a state of 'semi-stress', limiting the yields and improving the quality without damaging the grape or vine. Production volumes are low and the quality is high, with each variety expressing its own unique character to the maxim.