J.C. Le Roux

1700's - The intriguing history of The House of J.C. Le Roux can be traced back to a French Huguenot named Jean le Roux, a viticulturist from Normandy.  He started planting vines shortly after settling in Stellenbosch in 1704, and for generations his descendants continued this proud tradition.  Today, The House of JC le Roux bears testimony to the contribution made to Devon Valley by this illustrious family.

1983. The first sparkling wine, a Sauvignon Blanc was made at The House of J.C. Le Roux, offering up absolute delight to anyone who tasted it.

1985. Following the success of their Sauvignon Blanc, the House of J.C. Le Roux produced their first Pinot Noir Méthode Cap Classique.

1992. The formation of the wording Méthode Cap Classique was created to refer to the traditional method involving secondary fermentation process.

1999. Apart from the J.C. Le Roux Pinot Noir 1989 winning Double Gold at VERITAS, the country’s first off-dry Cap Classique La Vallée was launched, introducing many novices to the elegance and refinement of a Cap Classique.

2003. The Flagship of J.C. Le Roux, the Scintilla was released for the first time. Created for the connoisseur in a stylish dark bottle, Scintilla evokes an air of elegance, beauty and sophistication, representing one of life’s finer pleasures.

2004. J.C. Le Roux Chardonnay 1998 was honoured with Double Gold at the VERITAS awards, resulting in it being the only MCC to win double that year.

2008. The House of J.C. Le Roux once again made history by becoming the first producer to win the prestigious WINE Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge with a rosé, the delightful Pinot Noir Rosé 2006.

2012. Noticing the demand for a premium non-alcoholic range, the first J.C Le Roux Non Alcoholic Le Domaine was created, offering J.C. Le Roux drinkers a delicious alternative.

2013. The Flagship of J.C. Le Roux, the Scintilla 2003 wins 3 major top honours awards, once again establishing it as J.C. Le Roux’s signature Cap Classique.

Tucked away in the heart of the beautiful Devon Valley just outside Stellenbosch, winemaker Elunda Basson, masterfully creates the sparkling wines that have become a household name at South Africa’s leading house of sparkling wine – The House of J.C. Le Roux. Elunda studied viticulture and oenology for two years at the University of Stellenbosch. She then transferred to the Elsenburg Agricultural College where she completed her Higher Certificate in Agriculture and a Diploma in Cellar Technology in 1997, which also included a study tour to Italy.

People who had a great influence and helped to shape Elunda’s career have been Charles Hopkins (De Grendel Wines) and Razvan Macici (Nederburg Winemaker). From Hopkins, she learnt that a passion for wine equals a passion for life equals happiness, while she learnt to appreciate the artistry and enjoyment of making beautiful wine from Macici.

Elunda’s career started off working harvests as an assistant winemaker at Rickety Bridge Vineyards in Franschhoek with David Lockley and then with Boela Gerber. She also spent a harvest at Dry Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County in California. At Nederburg Wines, Elunda worked as assistant winemaker with Hennie Huskisson and after a year she was appointed red winemaker in 2001. During her seven years at Nederburg, Elunda received great acknowledgement as a winemaker.