The Webb family, owners of Thelema Mountain Vineyards, describe their surroundings as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”. The farm forms part of the Simonsberg mountain range. Given their setting and the view from the tasting room I was not about to argue!
Winemaker Rudi Schultz has been with Thelema for 25 years. He is very enthusiastic about chardonnay and says “it has always been a variety I enjoy working with – it’s honest and expressive”. He adds, “at Thelema we aim to let the vineyard shine, focusing on balance and texture rather than overt winemaking tricks”.
Recent awards that stand out for him are a gold medal with 95 points for the Thelema Chardonnay 2023 at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2025 and the Thelema Chardonnay 2022 that scored 94 points in the Tim Atkin SA Report 2024.
At the tasting room their range of Sutherland Vineyards wines from the Elgin Valley, including another chardonnay, can also be tasted.