CATHEDRAL CELLAR

Cathedral Cellar wines encapsulate KWV’s long-standing relationship with South Africa’s wine farmers.  

With historical reverence, Cathedral Cellar wines embrace the present with a range ready to enjoy now, but which will age gracefully in years to come.

In 2018, KWV celebrated 100 years of excellence since it started trading in 1918. Centennial celebrations included many additional highlights that will carry the company into the next century.

One of these milestones was the opening of KWV’s spectacular Cathedral Cellar – originally built in 1930 – as a private events venue. Under the custodianship of KWV Ambassador Chef, Mynhardt Joubert, this beautiful space houses an impressive collection of thirty-two ‘stukvats’ measuring approximately 3 meters in circumference, serving as an imposing backdrop in a serene setting.

These massive vessels also reveal the history of the South African wine industry, with stories carved on their facade. Father and son team, Karl and Karl-Heinz Wilhelm, carved the first barrels in 1968 and 1970, collectively stamping their art on twelve of them.

In 1987, in celebration of Paarl’s tercentenary, two new vats were added by South African artist Ruth Wolter. To prevent these vats from leaking she produced her works of art on separate wood panels, which were subsequently attached to the vats – a modern method which clearly distinguishes her work from those of the father-and-son duo.

In a centennial highlight, the venue and its wines served as the backdrop for KWV’s centenary crescendo. Moreover, this event featured the unveiling of a brand-new carved barrel by artist Ivan Hunter, which served as an apt illustration of KWV’s continuous contribution to the story of the South African wine industry. Now open to visitors, this serene space allows the public to view the impressive carvings. Don’t miss the chance to plan your visit today and book a tour to explore Cathedral Cellar Wines.