The serendipitous story of Kara-Tara Wines begins with a talented young South African, Rüdger van Wyk, whose early career was shaped by the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme and later the mentorship of José Conde at Stark-Condé Wines.
After being appointed as a winemaker at Stark-Condé, Rüdger was awarded the prestigious Diners Club “Young Winemaker of the Year” for his Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Syrah 2016. This achievement marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Rüdger and José, leading to the founding of Kara-Tara Wines in 2018.
Today, Kara-Tara Wines has built an international reputation for modern-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Rüdger later sold his shares in the business to pursue his own label, and the brand is now solely owned by José Conde and MAN Family Wines, producers of Stark-Condé, Lievland Vineyards, Essay, and MAN Wines.
“Karatara” is a word of Khoekhoen (Khoikhoi) origin, related to the language spoken by the indigenous San people of the Kalahari. According to the Dictionary of South African Place Names by Peter E. Raper (1987), Karatara was a forestry settlement along the Karatara River near Knysna in the Western Cape.
The name is thought to mean “horse hill,” referencing a small hill to the north. Colloquially, it has also been interpreted as “deep, dark shadows,” possibly inspired by the dark, tea-coloured waters of the Karatara River. The river flows through forests and fynbos vegetation into the Swartvlei lagoon, with natural tannins contributing to its distinctive colour.
Kara-Tara specialises in the two classic Burgundian grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The brand’s identity is built on refining and interpreting these varieties within a modern South African context.
Rather than relying on estate-owned vineyards, Kara-Tara sources grapes from a network of carefully selected cool-climate sites across the Western Cape, including Elgin, Overberg, Durbanville, and Stellenbosch. This multi-regional approach allows for the blending of diverse terroirs, each contributing unique characteristics.
Elgin provides high altitude and cool temperatures that preserve acidity and structure. Overberg contributes mineral tension and purity of fruit, while Durbanville adds aromatic lift and complexity. Together, these elements result in wines that are layered, balanced, and expressive.
The winemaking philosophy at Kara-Tara is centred on precision and restraint. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified at the Stark-Condé cellar in Stellenbosch using traditional, minimal-intervention techniques.
Pinot Noir often includes a portion of whole-bunch fermentation, adding structure and spice. Chardonnay benefits from lees stirring to build texture and complexity while maintaining freshness. Oak maturation is carefully managed, with a preference for neutral French oak to support rather than dominate the fruit, preserving purity and balance.
First released in 2019, Kara-Tara Chardonnay has gained recognition for its refined, balanced style. Jancis Robinson MW described it as “recommended to Chablis enthusiasts,” reinforcing the brand’s aim to produce nuanced, elegant wines.
Typically blended from multiple cool-climate vineyard sites, the Chardonnay balances richness with freshness. The use of predominantly neutral oak allows the fruit to shine, while lees contact enhances depth and mouthfeel.
For detailed fact sheets for each vintage, visit www.karatarawines.co.za.
Described by Jancis Robinson MW as “Burgundians beware!”, Kara-Tara Pinot Noir reflects a modern interpretation of this classic grape variety, with a respectful nod to traditional Burgundian styles.
Sourced from diverse regions, the wine is approachable and medium-bodied, with soft tannins and subtle acidity. Flavours typically include strawberry, cherry, and delicate spice, making it a versatile, food-friendly wine that can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
The Kara-Tara Reserve Pinot Noir is a more focused, site-specific expression sourced from a single vineyard in the Overberg. This wine highlights the unique characteristics of its terroir, including rocky shale soils and cool, misty conditions.
It typically undergoes a higher proportion of whole-bunch fermentation and extended maturation in French oak, resulting in greater structure, depth, and ageing potential. Tasting notes often reveal complex layers of red fruit, floral aromas, and savoury undertones, with a long, contemplative finish.
A multiple Platter’s 5-star winner, the Reserve Pinot Noir represents the pinnacle of the Kara-Tara range, showcasing both precision and intensity.
For detailed fact sheets and vintage information, visit www.karatarawines.co.za.
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Early Beginnings Stark-Condé’s story begins in 1998, when self-taught cellarmaster José Conde produced his first wine—a small parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon. Working with minimal equipment
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