Thistle & WeedCoastal Region, South Africa

Thistle & Weed: Terroir-driven Chenin Blanc

In just a few short years, Thistle & Weed has become a name synonymous with precision, energy, and terroir clarity in South African wine. Founded in 2015 by Stephanie Wiid, winemaker and former Fairview talent, and Etienne Terblanche, a leading viticulturist and consultant, Thistle & Weed is a collaboration between two families united by a love for vineyards and a shared respect for the resilience of nature. Their name pays homage to the tenacity of thistles and weeds that survive in the harshest vineyard conditions — a fitting metaphor for their wines, which celebrate South Africa’s ancient vines and diverse soils.

The Vision Behind Thistle & Weed:

Based just outside Stellenbosch, the duo focuses on old vine Chenin Blanc and distinctive Portuguese varietal blends, crafting wines that reveal the unique character of their Cape origins. Stephanie Wiid, whose wine heritage traces back to the Spier family and who was named South Africa’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2024 (Tim Atkin MW), brings a thoughtful, precise touch to the cellar. Alongside her, Etienne Terblanche, armed with a Master's in Viticulture from Montpellier and a PhD from Stellenbosch, contributes deep expertise in soils and climate, ensuring the wines reflect their vineyards’ true nature.

Together, they form a partnership rooted in curiosity, knowledge, and a shared desire to highlight the overlooked and underappreciated potential of the Cape’s vineyard sites.

Minimal Intervention, Maximum Site Expression

At the heart of Thistle & Weed’s approach is a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. This philosophy prioritises transparency and purity: free-run juice only, natural fermentation, no fining, no filtration, and ageing in old oak for around 10 months. The result is a collection of wines that offer clarity of site, texture, and energy, allowing the nuances of soil, vine age, and climate to take centre stage.

Chenin Blanc, in particular, forms the cornerstone of their work, with single-vineyard bottlings designed to showcase the diverse terroirs across the Cape. Each is named for a Cape botanical, continuing the estate’s connection to the region’s flora and farming traditions.

Since its founding, Thistle & Weed has quickly established itself as one of South Africa’s most respected boutique wineries. Highly regarded for its precision, vineyard specificity, and transparency of terroir, the wines continue to earn critical praise and collector interest. Labels and wine names draw from local Cape botanicals, reinforcing a sense of place and connection to the land.

With their distinctive, energetic, and terroir-driven wines, Stephanie Wiid and Etienne Terblanche have positioned Thistle & Weed as a leader in the new wave of South African fine wine.

---

The Wines of Thistle & Weed: 

Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc

From old bush vines planted in 1961 on Koffeklip soils in Paarl, Duwweltjie is a benchmark for Cape Chenin Blanc. Aromas of meadow herbs, peach, and quince lead to a wine of lees-driven texture, depth, and persistence. It is consistently recognised with Platter’s 5-star ratings year after year.

Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc

Hailing from Stellenbosch’s Nietvoorbij vineyard (planted 1980) on granite soils, Brandnetel offers herbal aromatics, textured mid-palate weight, and a distinctive saline grip. A wine of nuance and structure, it reflects the cool precision of its site and its historic 32 rootstocks.

Thistle & Weed Springdoring Chenin Blanc

From Swartland’s Paardeberg slopes, planted in 1982 on granite soils, Springdoring presents a richer, more powerful style of Chenin Blanc. Expect notes of ripe orchard fruit, yellow plum, and a mineral-driven finish. It balances generosity with a focused, stony precision.

Thistle & Weed Khakibos White Blend

A Verdelho-based blend, Khakibos offers a fresh, textural alternative within the Cape’s white wine landscape. With its aromatic lift and layered palate, it embodies the team’s playful yet precise approach to blending.