Paying Tribute to the Estate’s Co-Founder Ansela van de Caab

June holds a special place in Muratie‘s history, commemorating the emancipation of Ansela van de Caab from slavery. Ansela, a remarkable figure in South African folklore, represents resilience and triumph over the adversities of slavery in the late 17th century.

The Remarkable Story of Ansela van de Caab

Ansela van de Caab‘s journey began in the slave quarters of the Castle of Good Hope. Born into slavery, she was given the surname ‘van de Caab’ (Dutch for ‘of the Cape’), a common practice for slaves born at the Cape. Her life took a pivotal turn when she met Laurens Campher, a young German soldier serving the Dutch East India Company, at the Castle. Laurens fell in love with Ansela, and their 14-year courtship is a tale of enduring love and determination. Laurens made the arduous 64-kilometer journey from Muratie to Cape Town and back to see Ansela, a three-day trip on foot, during which they had three children.

Laurens’ dream was to free his family from slavery and bring them to Muratie. This dream was realized in 1695 when Ansela was christened on June 19th and emancipated on June 28th. Ansela and her children left behind their life of bondage as Laurens took them to their new home. The oak tree that Ansela planted to bless their marriage still stands at Muratie today, alongside a small white house built by Laurens, their first home.

Celebrating Ansela van de Caab at Muratie During June

“At Muratie, our heritage is at the heart of everything we do,”.

says Rijk Melck, the current custodian of the historic farm

Muratie‘s passion for preserving its rich, centuries-old heritage is evident throughout the estate. Their wines, named after extraordinary historical figures, honor the legacy of Ansela and Laurens. The estate’s flagship wines, the Ansela van de Caab (a Bordeaux-style red blend) and Laurens Campher (a unique predominantly Chenin Blanc blended white), pay tribute to their story.

Ansela’s ancient oak tree guarding over the Muratie Tasting Room

To mark 329 years since Ansela‘s emancipation, Muratie offers special June celebratory deals in their Restaurant and Tasting Room. Visitors are greeted by Ansela‘s magnificent ancient oak tree guarding the Tasting Room and can visit the MOK Gallery housed in the Camphers’ original home. The Farm Kitchen offers heritage cuisine and winter warmer wines by a crackling fireplace. A special June offer features the legendary Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank served with a glass of Ansela for R300. Additionally, a celebratory 6-bottle mixed case of Ansela van de Caab and Laurens Campher is available for R2,000.

Celebratory Special Offer – Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank and a glass of Ansela van der Caab

Muratie Ansela van de Caab

Tasting Notes:

Muratie Ansela van de Caab is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in French oak. This dark, intense wine offers aromas of cedar wood, cigar box, and blackcurrants with a herbaceous and spicy edge from the Cabernet Franc. The rich, velvety palate reveals black olive tapenade, cassis, perfumed sandalwood, and a long finish combining fruit and savory notes. It epitomizes balance with elegant tannins, fresh acidity, and masterly oak treatment, promising enjoyment for at least 10 years.

Retail Price:

Muratie Ansela van de Caab 2020 is available at the estate, online, and at select fine wine merchants around the country. Approximate retail price: R670.

Muratie Laurens Campher

Tasting Notes:

This unique white blend predominantly features Chenin Blanc with smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Verdehlo, and Viognier. The wine’s complex and intense flavors range from bright lemon, fresh pineapple, apricots, and juicy nectarine to lime marmalade, caramel, and cream from barrel fermentation and 11 months of maturation in mostly older French oak. The palate transitions from floral notes to white peaches and apricots, with hints of citrus and fresh acidity, promising enjoyment over at least five years.

Retail Price:

Muratie Laurens Campher 2022 is available at the estate, online, and at select fine wine merchants around the country. Approximate retail price: R250.

More About Ansela van de Caab

When the Cape of Good Hope was established as a Dutch colony in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck, the international slave trade was rampant. Ansela’s story began during this dark period. Captured from Guinea, Ansela‘s mother was brought to the Cape on a Portuguese slave ship. Ansela was born into slavery at the Castle of Good Hope, destined to work in the Company‘s Garden.

Ansela’s house at Muratie

Ansela’s emancipation in 1695 was conditional upon her ability to speak Dutch, profess the Christian faith, and be a Church member. Finally free, she married Laurens Campher and moved to Muratie, where they built a home and planted the first vines, laying the foundation for a farm that thrives over three centuries later.

Muratie Estate

Established in 1685 in the Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie is one of South Africa‘s oldest farms, steeped in history and heritage. Guarded by ancient oak trees, the estate offers a glimpse into the past where time seems to have stood still. Under the passionate guardianship of the Melck family, Muratie remains a heritage haven.

Sip on Muratie Wines and Taste History for Yourself

  • Address: Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
  • Website: www.muratie.co.za
  • Contact: 021 865 2330 / taste@muratie.co.za