De Krans Wines

De Krans Wine Cellar stands along the upper reaches of the Gamka River Valley near Calitzdorp, in the semi-arid Klein Karoo region that has become South Africa's undisputed Port capital. The farm's history dates to 1890, when it was acquired by the Nel family. For nearly a century, the family farmed quietly in this remote corner of the Western Cape, producing wine and raising livestock among the dramatic peaks of the Swartberg.

The modern era at De Krans began in 1981, when Boets Nel took overall charge of the farm following his father's passing. Boets brought a rigorous intellect to the cellar — he qualified as a Cape Wine Master in 1997 — and set about transforming De Krans from a small family operation into one of South Africa's most innovative and decorated wine producers. His brother Stroebel joined as viticulturist, and together the two brothers built a formidable partnership: Stroebel tending the vines, Boets shaping the wines.

De Krans is best known for its Port-style wines, and the range is the most diverse of any South African producer. The traditional lineup includes Cape Ruby, Cape Vintage, Cape Tawny, and the highly acclaimed Cape Vintage Reserve — the flagship, a deeply structured fortified wine built for long cellaring. But Boets Nel's innovative streak pushed the boundaries: in 2008, De Krans released the Original Cape Pink, the first pink Port produced in South Africa, made by removing juice from grape skins early in production. The Original Espresso followed, another category first that combined coffee and fortified wine.

In 2012, winemaker Louis van der Riet joined the team and further refined the range. He was succeeded in late 2019 by Eisenberg graduate Christoff de Wet, who continues to build on the estate's reputation for consistent quality and creative fortified winemaking.

The numbers speak for themselves: more than 700 medals and awards over 30 years, including multiple Veritas and Michelangelo double gold and gold medals. De Krans was crowned Champion Private Wine Cellar in the Klein Karoo region six times in the last seven years.

Beyond Port, De Krans produces table wines from varieties well suited to the Klein Karoo heat — Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Verdelho among them. The tasting room in Calitzdorp offers the full range in a relaxed setting that reflects the unpretentious character of the Klein Karoo. The estate's position on the Route 62 wine route makes it an essential stop for visitors exploring this dramatic and rewarding corner of the Western Cape.