Bilton’s intriguing history can be traced back to 1694, when the farm, Bonterivier, as it was then known, was granted by Governor Simon van der Stel to Willem Jansz van de Werelt. Today, more than three centuries later, the surname of the first owner has taken on a significant new meaning. Van de Werelt means “of the world†and in recent years, the fine wines produced on this progressive wine farm have indeed become sought-after by wine lovers across the world.
Although not much is known about the early activities on the farm, it has been ascertained that the first vines were planted in 1726. The old wine cellar, dating back to 1824, still graces the estate and has been restored meticulously and transformed into a stylish tasting room.
The estate has been in the hands of the Bilton family since 1959, when Don Bilton bought it. For more than 30 years the farming activities at Bilton, with its prime location on the foothills of the Helderberg, were centred around growing fruit, vegetables and grapes until 1996 when Mark Bilton took over the responsibilities from his father.
Rare wines of distinctive character are produced from the Matt Black red, the flagship bordeaux style blend Sir Percy and the most expensive red wine in South Africa known as The Bilton.