The Saga of Fort Simon Wine Estate
In the gentle rise and fall of Bottelary Hills, where the sun warms the soil and the wind whispers through the vines, lies Fort Simon Wine Estate. This land, now a sanctuary of vines and vision, carries a legacy woven with the threads of courage, resilience, and an unyielding spirit of perseverance.
Yet, the story of Fort Simon begins not with its vineyards but in the humbler days of a man whose dreams reached far beyond his means. The late Dr. Simon Uys, the namesake of the estate, grew up amidst the shadows of the Great Depression, his family weathering hard times as his father toiled as a ticket inspector on Cape Town's bustling trains. Though the world around him seemed small, Simon harbored grand aspirations—to become a doctor and bring healing to others.
The path, however, was fraught with obstacles. When the Second World War ended, places in medical schools were reserved for returning soldiers, leaving Simon’s dream seemingly out of reach. Disheartened but undeterred, he took up a vocation as a railway electrician, laboring on the maintenance of South Africa's iron veins. It was here, one fateful day, as he narrowly escaped the wheels of a passing train, that Simon resolved to change the course of his life. He laid down his tools and, with his father by his side, pleaded his case to the dean of the University of Cape Town. Moved by his determination, the dean relented, granting Simon a chance to pursue his dream.
Simon seized this opportunity, excelling in his studies and earning his place among South Africa’s doctors. In the 1950s, his journey led him to Grootfontein, Namibia, where he became a cornerstone of the community—a medical practitioner for the region and the mine doctor overseeing the well-being of SWANLA’s laborers. Yet, despite the success and satisfaction of his work, a yearning remained in his heart: to return to the Cape, the land of his childhood dreams.
The Rise of the Fort
When Dr. Simon Uys returned to the Cape, his heart sought not only a place to rest but a sanctuary where dreams could grow. In the Bottelary Hills, he found such a place: a farm known then as Houmoed, meaning "keep faith." Drawn by the land’s quiet strength and fertile promise, he acquired the estate, weaving his hopes into its very soil. For Dr. Uys, the farm was more than an investment; it was a canvas upon which he could paint a legacy for his family.
The task of realizing that legacy would fall to his youngest son, Renier, a man of vision, artistry, and determination. From a young age, Renier showed a remarkable talent for sculpting, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary with his hands. This gift for transformation would become a defining aspect of his life’s work, shaping not only his art but also the Fort Simon estate itself.
Renier saw in Houmoed not merely a farm but a foundation upon which to build something lasting and iconic. To honor the indomitable spirit of his late father, Renier renamed the estate Fort Simon. In 1997, his talent for creation came to life with the construction of the Fort, a proud bastion inspired by his father’s strength and determination. Every detail bore the mark of his sculptor’s hand—from the design of the Fort’s battlements to the intricate water features and lush surrounds that now define the estate. His artistry extended beyond the practical, creating an ambiance that would enchant all who visited, transforming Fort Simon into not just a winery but a haven of beauty and inspiration.
With the Fort as its symbol, Renier turned his sights to the craft of winemaking. He brought to life the Fort Simon wine brand, which would become the heart of the estate’s identity. Under his guidance, the farm’s first vintage was born, including the celebrated Anna Simon, a blend of Merlot and Pinotage that paid homage to his mother and family matriarch. The wines spoke of the land’s richness and the family’s dedication, earning accolades far and wide. With every bottle, Fort Simon began to establish itself not just as a producer of fine wines but as a beacon of courage and craftsmanship in the Bottelary Hills.
Renier’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, both in the wines he created and the environment he shaped, left an indelible mark on the estate. Today, the Fort, with its commanding presence and artistic touches, stands as a testament to his vision—a place where the practical meets the poetic, and the beauty of the surroundings is matched only by the quality of the wines.
Trials That Forge the Strongest Spirits
But, as in all great tales, shadows came to test the light. The passing of Renier Uys in 2021 marked a dark chapter for the estate. As grief gripped the family, the world itself seemed to conspire against them. Lockdowns barred the sale of wine, debts mounted, and the cellar was driven to the brink. To preserve Fort Simon’s legacy, Renier’s sons—also Renier and Simon—embarked on the perilous journey of business rescue. In the process, most wine stock was sold to settle debts, leaving the cellars empty and the family faced with the daunting task of starting anew.
Guided by the spirit of their forebears and the creed of hou moed—“keep faith”—the brothers rallied. Renier, a trained viticulturist with a passion for entrepreneurship, took the reins of the winery, while Simon, with a decade of vineyard experience, devoted himself to the vines. Together, they set out to rebuild what had been nearly lost.
A New Dawn for Fort Simon
Emerging from the trials, Fort Simon now begins a new chapter. In 2024, two small but carefully crafted batches of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon marked the estate’s return. These wines, born of perseverance and passion, are the first fruits of a renewed legacy.
Today, Fort Simon stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal. Its Fort rises proudly against the sky, the vineyards flourish once more, and each bottle tells a tale of triumph over adversity. This is not merely a winery; it is a story—a saga of faith, fortitude, and family.