Stettyn Wine: The Story of the Award-Winning Shackleton Range

On 8 August 1963, a sound that never belonged in the quiet valleys of the Boland echoed through the peaks.

A South African Air Force Avro Shackleton, aircraft 1718, met its tragic end in the remote Stettynskloof mountains. All 13 crew members on board were lost in the crash, a devastating blow to the SAAF and the nation.

The Shackleton was no ordinary plane. It was a giant of the skies, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft built for endurance. These planes were the stoic protectors of South Africa’s shores during a tense era, and the loss of 1718 left a permanent scar on the valley below.

History, however, is not only preserved in monuments of stone and steel. Sometimes, it’s kept alive in the soil and the vine. In a remarkable coincidence of history, Stettyn Family Vineyards was established in that very same year, 1963. Decades later, the cellar has woven the story of the fallen aircraft into a living tribute—one that honours the courage of the crew and actively preserves their legacy.

This is the story behind the Shackleton range, a remarkable collection of Stettyn wine.

The Wine: A Legacy of Excellence from Stettyn

A tribute is only as powerful as the quality of the vessel that carries it. The Shackleton range proves that a great story is even better when it’s a world-class Stettyn wine. These wines are a testament to the masterful winemaking at Stettyn, earning some of the highest honours in the country.

Shackleton Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024: A Flagship Stettyn Wine

This is a Stettyn wine that commands respect. Crafted from venerable old vines that have weathered decades in the Breedekloof valley—the home of Stettyn—this Chenin Blanc is a showcase of complexity and resilience. Its exceptional quality has been officially recognised.

• 🏆 A National Champion: The Shackleton Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024 was named one of the Top 10 Chenin Blancs in South Africa at the prestigious 2024 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge. This is one of the highest accolades a Chenin Blanc can achieve, placing it among the country’s elite.
• ⭐ Critically Acclaimed: With a stellar 4.3-star rating on Vivino, it is celebrated by wine lovers everywhere as a world-class example of South African Chenin.

Tasting Notes: Expect vivacious notes of quince, dried peach, and nectarine, with subtle toasted nut and creamy undertones leading to a beautifully textured palate and a long, elegant finish.

Shackleton Pinot Noir 2024

The perfect counterpart, this Pinot Noir embodies elegance, balance, and a quiet strength. It speaks to the terroir of the Stettyn mountains and the meticulous care taken in the cellar, offering a refined and memorable experience for those who appreciate a wine with character and history.

Tasting Notes: A silky, elegant Pinot Noir with delicate notes of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of forest floor—a testament to the challenging terroir and the winemakers’ dedication.

The Purpose: Drink With Meaning

This story is one of connection—between the past and the present, the land and its people. To make this connection tangible, Stettyn Family Vineyards has committed to a meaningful partnership.

For every single bottle of Shackleton wine sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated directly to the Friends of the SAAF Museum. This contribution helps preserve the aircraft’s story, honour the memory of the crew, and ensure that this vital piece of South African aviation history is never forgotten.

When you raise a glass of Shackleton, you are doing more than just tasting an award-winning Stettyn wine. You are connecting with a profound piece of South African history. It is a toast to courage, to memory, and to the unique way the winemakers at Stettyn chose to turn a tragedy into a tribute.