Delheim Wines – A Pioneer of South African Winemaking

The history of Delheim dates back to 1938 when Hans Otto Hoheisen purchased a farm on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch as a retirement property. Following advice from friends, he soon planted the first vineyards, and by 1944 a cellar had been completed where the estate’s first wines were produced. A defining moment came in 1951 when Michael Hans “Spatz” Sperling arrived from Germany to South Africa. Despite having no formal winemaking education, he became one of the most influential figures in the South African wine industry. In 1971, he co-founded the Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first wine route in South Africa, helping to pioneer wine tourism in the country. Under his leadership, Delheim developed into one of South Africa’s most respected family-owned wineries. Today, the estate is managed by the next generation of the Sperling family and is internationally recognised not only for its wines but also for its strong commitment to conservation and sustainable farming practices.