Rich, full-bodied blend from the Breede River Valley
The Stettyn Guardian Red Blend 2024 is a full-bodied, easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Shiraz (31%), Durif (15%) from the Botha family’s vineyards in the Breede River Valley. Made by JM Crafford — Stettyn’s winemaker — it’s the kind of wine that just works, whether you’re having friends over or keeping things low-key on a weeknight. Multi-Award Winner: Multiple awards. Vivino Community Rating: 4.0/5.
The Stettyn Family Vineyards Story
Stettyn Family Vineyards has been making wine in the Breede River Valley since 1714 — that’s over 300 years of knowing exactly what works in this corner of the Cape. The Botha family has farmed these slopes for eight generations, and the cellar’s been running since 1963. Today winemaker JM Crafford works with 438 hectares of vines between Worcester and Villiersdorp, turning out wines that punch well above their price tag.
The Guardian label carries the griffin from the Szczecin coat of arms — a symbol of vigilance and strength that’s watched over this estate for centuries. It’s a fitting emblem for a wine with this much backbone.
The vineyards sit where the Boland meets the Karoo, with cool breezes rolling off Stettyn Peak (1,821m) to keep things balanced even on the hottest days. Sandy loam, clay and alluvial soils across four vineyard blocks — Stettyn, Jonkersrivier, De Hoek and Glenrosa — give each grape variety exactly what it needs to do its thing.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Intense deep garnet. Nose: Dark berries, plum and rich spice. Palate: Full-bodied with layers of berry fruit, complex spice and forward fruit that fills the mouth. Integrated tannins give it structure and length — this one lingers.
How It’s Made
54% Cabernet Sauvignon for backbone, 31% Shiraz for spice and 15% Durif for colour and intensity. Each variety is vinified separately, then blended and oak-matured until everything comes together seamlessly.
Food Pairings
Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon and citrus, a proper steak with mushroom puff tartlets, or fillet with beetroot and horseradish. A showstopper for a special-occasion braai.
Awards & Recognition
• Multi-Award Winner: Multiple awards
• Vivino Community Rating: 4.0/5
The big gun in the Stettyn lineup. Bold, layered and built to impress.
