The Raats family has specialized in two grape varieties: the white Chenin Blanc and the red Cabernet Franc, with which they produce top wines in Stellenbosch generate. Oenologist and owner Bruwer Raats founded the winery in 2000 and quickly became one of the best winemakers for these varieties in South Africa.
High ratings in the international press also aroused interest from abroad, so that the total production of 90,000 bottles is now sold all over the world. In 2010, Bruwer's cousin, Gavin Bruwer Slabbert, joined to support the growing success. He is also a qualified oenologist. Both rely on quality as a marketing tool, unique wines from small production with a lot of character from the vineyards of the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch.
In 2017, no less than eight wines from the Raats winery received the coveted top rating of five stars in the Platter Guide, the most important wine publication in South Africa. No other winery had ever received so many 5 star wines in one year. The title "Winery of the Year" was logically also added.
Together with winemaker Mzokhona Mvemve, Bruwer Raats created the MR de Compostella. This Bordeaux blend is one of the very best wines in South Africa and the world. It has great storage potential and is blended from the best batches of the winery. At Vinous.com taster Neil Martin it was the best wine of South Africa 2021 and received 97/100 points.
