Bonny M | May 26, 2026
Some journeys begin with strategy. Others begin quietly, through friendship, curiosity, and moments that slowly gather meaning over time. Staanspoor belongs to the latter, a wine label not born from a carefully constructed business plan, but from years of shared experiences, conversations, and an evolving appreciation for the craft of wine itself.
For founders Pierre and Pieter, the story began long before the first bottle was produced. In 2017, together with their wives Cindy and Mirieke, they became part of a small and informal wine club. What initially started as casual social gatherings soon transformed into something more intentional. Tastings became more focused, conversations became deeper, and wine slowly shifted from enjoyment to fascination. Different regions, cultivars, and styles became subjects of study rather than simply preference, creating a shared passion that neither of them could have anticipated.
Their professional lives, at face value, could not have been more different. One came from finance, the other from steel construction. Yet wine became a common language between them, something capable of bridging industries, personalities, and perspectives. Although the two had first met years earlier on the cricket field in the early 2000s, it was only much later that their friendship truly deepened beyond sport. Wine became an extension of that friendship, shaped by long discussions, shared discoveries, and a mutual respect for process and detail.
What made the connection even stronger was the way they approached wine itself. Both founders carried into this new world the same discipline, structure, and curiosity they applied within their own industries. Rather than simply consuming wine, they wanted to understand it, its origins, its structure, its nuances, and the people behind it. Over time, this mindset laid the emotional and philosophical foundation for what would eventually become Staanspoor.
The idea of creating their own label did not arrive through a single defining moment. Instead, it unfolded gradually during the COVID-19 lockdown period, a time that unexpectedly created space for reflection and deeper exploration. Like many people during that period, they slowed down. But within that stillness came greater immersion into wine culture itself. They read extensively, tasted with intention, and began building meaningful relationships within the industry.
It was during this period that key encounters changed the direction of the journey entirely. Through a series of conversations and chance connections, they crossed paths with respected figures including Mark Norrish, Barry Schofield, Jozua Joubert from Karibib, and young winemaker Angus Paul. What had once existed as a distant idea suddenly felt tangible. The shift from admiration to creation happened naturally, driven not by ambition alone, but by alignment, the right people, the right timing, and a shared belief in what could be possible.
Naming the brand, however, proved unexpectedly difficult. The founders laugh about their struggle to find a “fancy” English name that felt authentic to who they were. Instead, they turned inward, choosing something rooted in their own identity and language. “Staanspoor,” an Afrikaans word meaning “departure point,” ultimately captured exactly what the brand represented. It reflected both a literal and emotional transition, stepping away from their established industries and entering an entirely new creative world, while also moving from being consumers of wine to becoming its custodians and creators.
That emotional story became central to the identity of Staanspoor itself. For the founders, producing wine was never only about the final product. South Africa already offers countless exceptional wines, but what gives a bottle meaning, they believe, is the story behind it. Friendship, gratitude, and shared experience became inseparable from the wine itself. Staanspoor was created not simply to showcase quality, but to preserve the feeling of how it came to exist in the first place.
Their debut release, a 100% Syrah, emerged through opportunity and instinct. Although the grapes available from Karibib Vineyards guided the varietal choice initially, the founders quickly recognised the significance of what they had access to. Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch has established itself as one of South Africa’s most exciting regions for Syrah, known for producing wines with remarkable balance, complexity, and site expression. The terroir, shaped by decomposed granite soils, elevation, and cooling ocean influence, creates ideal conditions for wines that carry both structure and elegance.
Karibib itself holds a particularly respected reputation within the South African wine landscape. Internationally recognised wine critic Tim Atkin has even described certain vineyard parcels from the estate as unofficial “Grand Cru” Syrah sites, with wines capable of producing extraordinary quality. For the founders, working with fruit from such a celebrated site brought not only excitement, but responsibility. The vineyard itself demanded a level of excellence they were determined to honour.
Central to shaping the wine was their collaboration with winemaker Angus Paul, whose philosophy aligned seamlessly with their own. From the outset, there was a clear understanding that the wine should reflect the vineyard first, avoiding unnecessary intervention or over-manipulation. Angus’ guidance through fermentation, oak integration, and structure became instrumental in crafting a Syrah that feels intentional, balanced, and deeply connected to its origin. His commitment to authenticity, allowing the grapes and terroir to speak for themselves, mirrored the founders’ own approach to both wine and life.
At present, Staanspoor remains intentionally focused on a single expression: Syrah. Rather than rushing expansion, the founders have chosen to concentrate fully on refining quality and consistency. The 2022 vintage introduced a wine with depth, dark fruit, spice, and integrated oak, while the 2023 vintage, awarded a prestigious 5-star Platter rating, revealed a softer and more refined profile, with lifted aromatics and elegant red fruit expression. Each vintage reflects subtle evolution while remaining rooted in the same philosophy of balance and site expression.
Yet beyond tasting notes and critical recognition, the founders believe the true experience of Staanspoor lies in what happens around the bottle itself. The wine is designed to move naturally between occasions, equally comfortable beside a casual braai among friends or within a refined fine dining setting. It is not intended to dominate a moment, but rather to become part of it. A quiet companion to conversation, connection, and shared experience.
That idea of connection sits at the very heart of Staanspoor. Wine, for the founders, has always been about people. About slowing down, being present, and creating memories together. Throughout their journey, they have met countless individuals brought together through a shared appreciation for wine, and they hope Staanspoor continues to facilitate those same moments for others. Whether shared among lifelong friends, family, or strangers becoming acquainted for the first time, the wine exists to bring people closer together.
The response since launch has been deeply meaningful. Critical recognition, including the exceptional Platter rating, has offered validation from within the wine industry itself. But equally significant have been the personal stories shared by customers, accounts of celebrations, dinners, and meaningful moments where Staanspoor became part of the memory. For the founders, that balance between professional recognition and emotional connection is what gives the journey its greatest value.
The vision for Staanspoor remains grounded in authenticity rather than scale. The founders have no desire to become a high-volume commercial label. Instead, the focus remains firmly on quality, exceptional fruit, and preserving the integrity of what makes the brand special.
Growth, both locally and internationally, may come naturally over time, but only if it aligns with the heart of the brand itself, Because ultimately, Staanspoor has never simply been about producing wine. It has always been about the journey, and the people gathered along the way.