Over a recent dinner with Johan Milan, co-owner and winemaker at Simonsig Wine Estate in South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch wine region, just east of Cape Town, I tasted through the winery’s current portfolio and learned quite a bit about the history, future, and present day of their operation.

Johan’s father, winery founder Frans Milan, was responsible for numerous noteworthy accomplishments during his time at the helm. These included the production of South Africa’s first chardonnay and the country’s first sparkling wine made in the classic method. Frans also played a key role in starting the Stellenbosch Wine Route in 1971.

Today, Johan and his two brothers run the show at Simonsig; they continue to move the ball forward by replanting vines, employing new production methodologies, and experimenting with different grapes — all to aim for the highest quality their vineyard can take them to.