November 17, 2025
Thistle & Weed 2024's - from Tim Atkin's Young winemaker of the year
2024 Thistle & Weed
Tiny production from a 0.3 hectare parcel, crafted by Stephanie Wiid of Thistle and Weed, whose Chenins continue to turn heads. Wiid was named Tim Atkin MW’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2024, a testament to the talent behind these beautifully expressive wines.
Founded by Stephanie Wiid and Etienne Terblanche, the winery focuses on small-batch, terroir-driven wines that celebrate South Africa's rich viticultural diversity. Thistle & Weed’s approach combines innovative winemaking with a deep respect for nature, resulting in wines that are both expressive and distinct, embodying a true sense of place and authenticity. Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed was named Tim Atkin MW’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2024 in his South Africa 2024 report.
Today we have a small parcel of three terroir-driven Chenin Blancs to share with you: the Brandnetel, Duwweltjie and Springdoring. Each has its own distinct personality, shaped by its site and soil. You will find more details under each wine, along with Tim Atkin’s tasting notes. All three deliver exceptional quality for the price.
In the 2020 vintage, Tim Atkin MW described the wine as “not as famous as some Cape Chenins, but right up there with the very best of them”, and we couldn’t agree more.
At €22.50* inc VAT per bottle, these Chenins offer distinctive terroir, tiny production and remarkable value. Given the limited quantities made each year, we only have a small allocation available on our website.
Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2024
€22.50* inc VAT per bottle
Our top pick from the range is the Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc, sourced from a tiny 0.3-hectare single vineyard perched on the cool slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, at an altitude of 304 metres. Originally planted in 1980 as a rootstock trial with 32 different rootstocks, this unique vineyard yields a multi-layered wine with impressive tension and minerality.
95 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Generally my favourite of the Thistle & Weed Chenin Blancs, this comes from two old-vine parcels on the Simonbserg. Tangy, focused and refreshing it has engaging pear and lemon zest fruit, a hint of exotic sweetness, negligible oak and lots of granitic energy. 2025-30
Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2024
€22.50* inc VAT per bottle
Duwweltjie comes from a three-hectare old vine block in the cooler reaches of Paarl, where sandstone and ferricrete soils give depth and texture. This is the richest Chenin in the range, offering generous pear and stone fruit balanced by subtle oak and refreshing acidity.
94 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Duwweltjie comes from gravel and clay soils on the Joostenberg farm in the low part of Paarl and is the richest of the Thistle & Weed Chenin Blancs. Textured and voluminous, but still refreshing on the palate, it has pear and stone fruit flavours, a touch of wood and enough acidity to drive and freshen the finish. 2025-29
Thistle & Weed Springdoring Chenin Blanc 2024
€22.50* inc VAT per bottle
Springdoring comes from two old vine blocks rooted in white granite on the Malmesbury side of the Swartland, a rugged area famed for its minerality. The wine delivers green apple, citrus, white pepper and crushed stone, with creamy lees and razor-sharp acidity giving drive and precision.
93 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Spingdoring is one of a trio of Chenin Blancs from Stephanie Wiid, sourced from white granite soils on the Malmesbury side of the Swartland. Earth, fennel and petrichor aromas are an intriguing introduction to a palate of wet stone, green apple and citrus, with acidity that slices your palate like a knife. 2026-30
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.