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Our Story
The original grant of La Bri is one of the oldest Huguenot-allocated farms in the Franschhoek Valley. It was one of the first of nine farms granted to members of the main group of Huguenots who sought sanctuary in the Cape in 1688.
The name ‘La Bri’ is probably derived from the French for ‘the refuge’, a perfect name for this property, as it is safely nestled in the imposing amphitheatre of the Franschhoek valley.
In 2007 a new era dawned for La Bri. Vineyards were gradually replanted, and a new 120 Tonne Boutique wine cellar was built in time for the 2008 harvest. The labels were redesigned to feature indigenous Cape flowers and herbs, playing on the symbiotic relationship between wine and fynbos, so apparent in the Cape.
Each La Bri wine has its own Cape flower on the label, with the exception of the Syrah, which appropriately features herbs.
The 15 hectares of vineyards at La Bri grow in diverse soil types from sandy loam to deep and rich alluvial soils. This allows for the range of Grape varieties grown from Cabernet sauvignon to Viognier.
The myth that great wine can’t be grown in the Franschhoek Valley is rapidly losing traction. We believe that the terroir in the upper reaches of the Valley offers sufficient diversity in the climate and soil. This aspect, when combined with meticulous vineyard management practices and artisanal winemaking, can produce outstanding wines. The Franschhoek Valley wines are well capable of competing with the best wines South Africa has to offer.
Our Product
La Bri
Each La Bri wine has its own Cape flower on the label, with the exception of the Syrah, which appropriately features herbs.
Created with passion
That tell a story about the wine.
Grown, made & bottled on our estate.
Small Volumes Focused on High-Quality.
Awards
La Bri’s wines have won numerous awards over the years, and we are proud to showcase the most recent of these awards.
La Bri Chardonnay
Chardonnay 2021 – Tim Atkin 90 points, Platter 4.5*
Chardonnay 2020 – Tim Atkin 90 points, Old Mutual Silver -90 points, Michelangelo Double Gold; Platter 4.5*
Chardonnay 2019 – Platter 4.5*; Prescient Report 90 Points
La Bri Merlot
Merlot 2020 – Michelangelo Double Gold
Merlot 2018 – Platter 4*, Old Mutual Bronze
Merlot 2017 – Platter 4.5*, 91 Points
La Bri Syrah
Syrah 2020 – Platter 4.5*
Syrah 2018 – Tim Atkin 90 Points, Trophy Wine Show Bronze, Platter 4.5*
Syrah 2017 – Tim Atkin 90 points, Michelangelo Double Gold, Platter 4.5* 91 points
La Bri Affinity
Affinity 2020 – Tim Atkin 91 points, Prescient Top 10 – 93 points
Affinity 2017 – Tim Atkin 91 points, Michelangelo Gold, Platter 4*
Affinity 2016 – Tim Atkin 90 points, Prescient Report 90 points, Platter 4*
La Bri Barrel Select Chardonnay
Barrel Select 2020 – Tim Atkin 91 points, Platter 4.5*-93 points
Barrel Select 2019 – Tim Atkin 92 points, Platter 4.5*-93 points
Barrel Select 2017 – Platter 4.5*-93 points
La Bri Syrah Reserve
Syrah “960” 2018 – Platter 4.5* – 93 points
Syrah “1240” 2017 – Tim Atkin 92 points, Platter 4.5* – 93 points
Syrah “570” 2016 – Platter 4.5* – 94 points
Sauvage La Bri Cap Classique
Sauvage La Bri 2015 – Tim Atkin 92 points, Trophy Wine 96 Points; Platter 4.5* – 93 points
Sauvage La Bri 2013 – Tim Atkin 93 points, Platter 4.5* -93 points, Gilbert & Gaillard 94 points
La Bri Cabernet Sauvignon Ltd Release
Cabernet 2018 – Platter 4.5* – 93 points
Cabernet 2017 – Platter 5* – 95 points, Decanter 95 points
Cabernet 2016 – Platter 4.5* – 93 points
La Bri Viognier
Viognier 2022 – Minority report 91 points
Viognier 2021 – Tim Atkin 91 points, Platter 4.5* -93 points
Viognier 2019 – Tim Atkin 91 points, Platter 4.5* – 93 points
Double Door Range
Petit Verdot 2020 – Minority report 90 points; Platter 4.5* – Good Value Award
Timeline
One cannot mention La Bri, without referring to the past, as the property is an essential piece of the South African wine history and culture.
According to the Franschhoek Museum, the original grant of La Bri is one of the oldest Huguenot-allocated farms in the Franschhoek Valley
It was one of the first of nine farms granted to members of the main group of Huguenots who sought sanctuary in the Cape in 1688.
The name ‘La Bri’ is probably derived from the region in France but we prefer the French translation for ‘the refuge’, a perfect name for this property, as it is safely nestled in the imposing amphitheatre of the Franschhoek valley.
Although originally granted to Jacob de Villiers, his son, Jacques, settled on the farm in 1694. He became a very successful farmer and later bought Boschendal from his brother Abraham’s estate. In 1712, Jacques received title of La Bri, and, over time, the farm was split into three, with homesteads built on two of them.
In 1744, after several owners had come and gone, Pieter Eduard Haumann bought the farm that today is La Bri.
The manor house was probably built around then and enlarged to its present H-shape in 1862. It still has a severe gable with straight sides, typical of the last phases of Cape Dutch architecture. The farm’s name was subsequently changed to Keurvlei. However, when Michael Trull bought the farm in the mid-1980s, he restored the farm’s name to La Bri.
In 1997 Robin Hamilton bought the farm. At that time wines were being made from La Bri grapes at the Franschhoek Co- Operative. New vineyards were gradually replanted, a new cellar was built in 2007 and the labels were redesigned. The eye- catching labels feature indigenous Cape flowers and herbs, playing on the symbiotic relationship between wine and fynbos, so apparent in the Cape.
In June 2022 Mr and Mrs von Kuenheim took ownership of La Bri.
With this new energy steering this ship into the future, and a determination to unlock the full potential of the farm, a visit to Franschhoek won’t be complete without a stop-over at La Bri!
Timeline
1688
La Bri, one of the oldest Huguenot-allocated farms in the Franschhoek Valley, was among the first nine farms granted to the main group of Huguenots seeking sanctuary in the Cape in 1688.
1694
Jacques de Villiers, son of Jacob de Villiers, settled on La Bri farm in 1694, eventually becoming a successful farmer and purchasing the Boschendal farm from his brother Abraham’s estate.
1744
Pieter Eduard Haumann purchased La Bri in 1744, likely constructing the manor house around that time and enlarging it to its present H-shape in 1862.
Mid-1980s
Michael Trull bought La Bri and introduced La Bri Wines to the market.
1997 - 2007
Robin Hamilton purchased La Bri in 1997. He set about replanting vineyards and in 2007 built a state of the art gravity fed cellar. The labels were also redesigned to feature indigenous Cape flowers and herbs.
2022
Mr. and Mrs. von Kuenheim became the new owners of La Bri in June 2022, bringing new energy and determination to unlock the farm’s full potential.
Our Team
Boasting a state-of-the-art 120 tonne boutique wine cellar and tasting room, La Bri is where you will find signature styled wines made with passion. Our formidable team aims to share their wonderful products with fellow wine lovers who will enjoy, share and cherish their efforts.
