Thistle & Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families, founded in 2015 by viticulturist Etienne Terblanche and winemaker Stephanie Wiid. Inspired by the resilient weeds that thrive among Cape vineyards, Etienne and Stephanie draw a parallel between these hardy plants and the tenacious grapevines of the region. Each wine in their collection is named after a favorite nuisance weed, using the colloquial Afrikaans term to emphasize their unapologetically Cape identity. Together, they explore the hidden gems of the Cape, crafting honest wines deeply connected to nature and expressing the purest essence of their terroir.

At the forefront of South Africa’s evolving wine industry, Thistle & Weed is leading the charge in championing climate-appropriate varieties, embracing cultivars suited to drought, shifting climates, and extreme conditions. The blends ‘Khakibos’ (white) and ‘Nastergal’ (red) are prime examples of this philosophy. Inspired by drought-resistant Iberian wines, these blends highlight Portuguese varieties that thrive in the Cape’s challenging environment. By focusing on these resilient grapes, Thistle & Weed is not only adapting to climate realities but also redefining the potential of Cape wines for future generations.

The Thistle & Weed portfolio also includes two single-origin Chenin Blancs from Paarl and Stellenbosch, a regional Chenin Blanc, and a biodynamic Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch. The winemaking approach is simple yet precise. For the white wines, whole-bunch pressing and natural fermentation in older French oak barrels preserve freshness and purity. The reds are crafted using a combination of de-stemmed whole berries, crushed berries, and whole bunches, which ferment in open-top tanks before aging in older French oak.

“The vineyards lie at the heart of what we are trying to achieve,” says Etienne. “They allow us to showcase the unrivaled beauty and sheer expanse of the Cape, our home.” By working closely with a select group of growers, Thistle & Weed uncovers extraordinary vineyard parcels, each with its own rhythm and community of naturally occurring plants. These weeds, as Etienne explains, reveal critical insights into the soil, climate, and history of each site, offering a window into its unique character. And while the vineyard is the star of the show, it must be mentioned that Steph’s winemaking is some of the most skilled in the country. In his 2024 Special Report, Master of Wine Tim Atkin named her the Young Winemaker of the Year. Stephanie is the third female winemaker in a row and fourth overall Vine Street producer to win this prestigious award since its creation in 2015. This award puts her in the same class as legends Lukas van Loggerenberg (Van Loggerenberg Wines), Bernhard Bredell (Scions of Sinai), Charla Bosman (Sijnn), and Marelise Niemann (Anysbos and Momento). For her grit, unshakable spirit, and earnest desire to help push the South African wine industry forward, no one is more deserving of this award than Steph.