This winter, Cape Town wine lovers have a unique opportunity to step back in time and trace the remarkable journey of one of South Africa’s most pioneering women. Steenberg Vineyards has launched The Catharina Experience, an eight-week competition celebrating Catharina Ras; the founder of what is now Steenberg Estate and the Cape’s first recorded female landowner.
When Catharina Ras arrived at the Cape in 1662, she defied every convention of her era. This fearless pioneer began her journey in Rondebosch, near present-day Liesbeek Parkway, before moving to Bo-Kaap and eventually establishing her farm in what we now know as Steenberg. Her story is one of extraordinary courage and determination, building a prosperous estate that served as a haven for weary travellers in an age when opportunities for women were virtually non-existent.
“Our wines are a true reflection of Catharina’s fearless character, bold yet elegant, powerful yet refined,” explains Elunda Basson, Steenberg’s award-winning winemaker and Chair of Sauvignon Blanc SA. “At a time when South Africans are seeking authentic experiences with meaning, we believe our wines offer a story in every sip.”
The competition’s grand prize is a meticulously curated four-night Cape Town adventure that follows Catharina’s historic path. Winners begin their journey at Banksia Boutique Hotel in Rosebank, near Catharina’s first settlement, before enjoying a Clifton cruise showcasing the coastal views she would have witnessed upon arrival. The experience includes a private dinner with Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin, paired with a wine tasting led by Cellarmaster Basson.
Day two takes participants on horseback along Noordhoek Beach; terrain reminiscent of the wild frontier Catharina once navigated; followed by lunch at the acclaimed Foodbarn restaurant. Guests then spend the night at the characterful Dorp Hotel in Bo-Kaap, where Catharina once lived.
The adventure culminates with a vintage Cobra roadster journey to Steenberg itself, complete with vineyard walks, wine tastings, and accommodation at the estate’s luxury hotel. The final day offers spa treatments amidst vineyard views, a private picnic, and an intimate cellar dinner following a vertical wine tasting.
“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 enter, simply purchase a glass or bottle of Steenberg wine at participating restaurants between 1 July and 24 August 2025, or buy online for automatic entry. The winner will be announced on 31 August 2025.
Steenberg’s wines perfectly embody Catharina’s pioneering spirit; from their iconic red blends’ rich complexity to their award-winning Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp vibrancy. Each bottle tells the story of South Africa’s oldest registered wine estate, where premium quality meets centuries of heritage.
This winter, raise a glass to Catharina Ras and discover how one woman’s extraordinary journey shaped the Cape’s winemaking legacy.
