The Malan family of Simonsig Family Vineyards, known as the pioneers of the very first Method Cap Classique in South Africa, now gets behind another premium South African Protected Designation of Origin, Cape Potstill Brandy.
For decades, Cape Potstill Brandy was South Africa’s best-kept secret, deeply rooted in history, world-class, yet overshadowed by wine and whisky in global markets.
Today, a quiet revival is underway; the entry of Simonac XXO Cape Brandy from Simonsig into the category may prove more significant than it appears.
Cape Potstill Brandy has always had its roots in the vineyard. Unlike grain-based spirits, its identity begins in vineyards, cultivars, and terroir. Historically, many of South Africa’s pioneering distillers were wine farmers who distilled surplus wine into brandy.
Now, in an industry dominated by vintage cycles and annual releases, the Malan Family is looking to the future embracing a product measured in decades rather than seasons.
The family-owned estate launched its first Cape Potstill Brandy towards the end of last year, a category that requires long-term investment, ageing, and generational thinking – qualities closely aligned with Simonsig's family-run business.
“Brandy is about patience,” said Johan Malan. “You’re making something your children and grandchildren will release and enjoy. That’s a powerful idea for a family estate.”
South Africa’s Cape Brandy category has historically been driven by large producers, but a growing number of boutique and family estates are entering the premium segment.
According to Wine Intelligence data, global premium spirits sales have grown faster than mainstream spirits over the past five years, driven by consumers seeking craftsmanship and
heritage narratives.
For Simonsig, now in its third generation, the move into Cape Potstill Brandy reinforces its heritage credentials while diversifying its portfolio beyond its premium wines.
Premiumisation, authenticity, and origin stories now dominate purchasing decisions. Brandy – especially origin-protected categories like Cognac – has seen renewed interest
among collectors and premium consumers.
This is where Cape Potstill Brandy’s opportunity lies.
When respected wine estates like Simonsig enter the category, they bring credibility, terroir expertise, and global networks. More importantly, they bring narrative capital. A fifteen year old Cape Potstill Brandy distilled from a Stellenbosch Colombar vineyard and aged for decades speaks the language of fine wine and luxury spirits simultaneously.
The challenge remains perception. Brandy has historically been positioned as a domestic, value-driven category, despite premium examples rivaling global peers. To shift this narrative, the industry needs premium cues: estate branding, age statements, limited releases, storytelling, and international benchmarks.
Simonsig’s launch of Simonac XXO Cape Potstill Brandy is therefore not just a product release – it is a signal. It suggests that Cape Potstill Brandy is once again being seen as a
prestige category worth long-term investment.
If more wine estates follow, Cape Potstill Brandy could evolve from a heritage footnote into a flagship South African luxury export – standing alongside Stellenbosch Cabernet and
Méthode Cap Classique on the world stage.
In a country where vineyards are the source of both wine and brandy, the revival of Cape Potstill Brandy may be less a renaissance than a return home. See more on capebrandy.co.za.