Steenberg Vineyards is inviting wine lovers to embark on an unforgettable journey through history with the launch of The Catharina Experience, an exclusive 8-week winter competition celebrating the strength, tenacity, and pioneering spirit of Catharina Ras – the founder of Steenberg and the region’s first female landowner and developer.
"Our wines are a true reflection of Catharina’s fearless character – bold yet elegant, powerful yet refined," says Elunda Basson, Steenberg’s winemaker. "At a time when South Africans are looking for connection, authenticity, and experiences that carry meaning, we believe our wines offer a story in every sip. The Catharina Experience is an opportunity for guests to engage with this rich heritage while enjoying the exceptional quality of our wines."
When Catharina Ras arrived at the Cape in 1662, she defied the norms of her era, becoming one of the most daring and resilient pioneers in South Africa’s early history. Her journey began when she settled in Rondebosch (near Liesbeek Parkway) before moving to Bo Kaap and eventually establishing her farm – now Steenberg – where her legacy thrives today.
Catharina’s remarkable story is one of independence, courage, and determination. Despite a challenging and often dangerous frontier life, she built a prosperous estate and a warm haven for weary travellers. As Steenberg’s founder, she is remembered as a bold woman who carved her path in an era when opportunities for women were few.
In tribute to this pioneering spirit, Steenberg has crafted The Catharina Experience, a 4-night curated Cape Town adventure for four designed to immerse winners in the rich tapestry of her life, all while enjoying the estate’s renowned wines.
The prize experience (worth R120 000) includes:
- Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town and check into Banksia Boutique Hotel in Rosebank, near where Catharina first settled upon reaching the Cape. In the afternoon, set sail on a Clifton cruise, witnessing the coastal views Catharina would have seen on her arrival at the Cape of Good Hope. Return to a private dinner curated by executive chef Kerry Kilpin, with a Steenberg wine tasting led by cellarmaster Elunda Basson.
- Day 2: Embark on a horseback ride along Noordhoek Beach, a landscape much like the wild frontier Catharina once braved. Enjoy a rustic lunch at The Foodbarn, a beloved eatery known for its locally-sourced, flavourful food. Spend the night at the characterful Dorp Hotel in Bo Kaap - an area where Catharina once lived, rich in Cape heritage.
- Day 3: Hop into a vintage Cobra roadster and trace Catharina’s journey to her final destination: Steenberg. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Bistro Sixteen82, followed by a vineyard walk with viticulturist Vlok Hanekom and an insightful wine tasting. Check into your five-star lodgings before enjoying a dinner at Tryn, where modern elegance and Catharina’s legacy meet in every dish.
- Day 4: Unwind with a spa treatment surrounded by our serene gardens and vineyard views. Enjoy a private vineyard picnic lunch, then take time to explore our estate or relax. Join Elunda Basson for a vertical tasting in the cellar, exploring the evolution of our wines. End the journey with an intimate dinner in the cellar.
Throughout the experience, guests will follow in Catharina’s footsteps, uncovering her fearless journey and enjoying the rich heritage of Steenberg’s handcrafted wines.
"The Catharina Experience is more than just a competition – it’s a celebration of resilience, heritage, and the powerful role storytelling plays in bringing wine to life," says Carryn Wiltshire, Steenberg’s marketing manager.
To stand a chance to win this unforgettable experience, guests need only purchase a glass or bottle of Steenberg wine at selected restaurants during the competition period, from 1 July to 24 August. The lucky winner will be announced on 31 August.
For a list of participating restaurants, click HERE.
The competition is also open through online purchases, with one entry awarded for every bottle purchased.
Steenberg’s wines reflect Catharina’s fearless character – bold yet elegant, with a refined complexity that embodies her pioneering spirit. From the rich layers of their iconic red blends to the crisp and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, each wine is meticulously crafted to offer a premium tasting experience.
Wiltshire adds, "We invite guests to raise a glass to Catharina’s enduring spirit while exploring her incredible journey.”