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 and guided largely by intuition and traditional methods, he crafted a maiden vintage of just 2,400 bottles.
The results were extraordinary. The debut wine received 5 stars in the Platter’s Wine Guide, scored 92 points from Wine Spectator, and was selected by Oz Clarke as one of the “Top 20 Wines of the Year.” This early success marked the beginning of Stark-Condé’s emergence as a premium Stellenbosch winery.
Without formal training, José Conde developed his winemaking approach through hands-on vineyard work, a deep curiosity about the chemistry of wine, and a craftsman’s attention to detail.
Through observation, experimentation, and respect for traditional practices, he evolved from an enthusiastic novice into a dedicated and highly regarded winemaker.
Stark-Condé’s winemaking philosophy is deliberately restrained, guided by the belief that the vineyard should speak for itself. Intervention in the cellar is kept to a minimum to preserve authenticity and site expression.
Fermentations are typically carried out using natural yeasts in open-top tanks, with manual punch-downs to gently extract colour and tannin. Wines are matured primarily in French oak barrels for up to 22 months and are often bottled without fining or filtration.
This approach prioritises texture, structure, and individuality, allowing each vintage to reflect its unique conditions.
As the winery evolved in the early 2000s, its identity became closely tied to the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch. This rugged, high-altitude region naturally limits yields, favouring quality over quantity.
Vineyards are planted on slopes ranging from 200 to over 550 metres above sea level. The cooler temperatures at elevation extend the growing season, encouraging slow, even ripening and resulting in wines with balance, structure, and a strong sense of place.
A defining characteristic of Stark-Condé is its commitment to organic farming. The natural conditions of Jonkershoek Valley—ample winter rainfall, well-drained soils, and cleansing southeasterly winds—create an ideal environment for sustainable viticulture.
After seven years of farming in conversion, the estate achieved official organic certification in 2022. Today, approximately 80% of the property remains preserved as indigenous vegetation, reflecting the biodiversity of the nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
This balance between cultivation and conservation is central to the estate’s philosophy: that exceptional wine begins with a healthy ecosystem.
Despite international acclaim, Stark-Condé has deliberately limited its production to just over 10,000 cases per year. This ensures meticulous attention to detail across every wine.
While Cabernet Sauvignon remains central to the brand’s identity, the portfolio has expanded to include Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each wine is crafted with the same focus on restraint, balance, and expression of terroir.
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