The Farm

Anura Vineyards is owned and run by Tymen, Jenny and Lance Bouma.

Positioned on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, Anura boasts a wide variety of soils, slopes and microclimates. This allows us to grow a wide selection of cultivars, some uncommon in South Africa, and also to match each cultivar with its ideal soil and microclimate. With each passing harvest we learn more about our soils and vineyards, and refine our vineyard and cellar practices in order to create the finest wines for our unique terroir.

Our passion is red wine, and with plantings of Mourvédre, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Malbec, among more classic, locally grown varietals, we aim to produce handcrafted wines for individuals who are looking for something unique and distinctive.

In the vineyards, Tymen strives to utilise practices that best suit a particular varietal, including specific canopy management, control of the yield, trellising and irrigation control. Our grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness. The grapes are first machine-sorted to remove leaves, broken berries and stalks, and then hand-sorted to ensure that only the best bunches are selected for crushing.

Careful attention is paid to each lot of grapes, based not only on the cultivar but also on the particular block concerned. Block 10 for example, consistently produces our award-winning Merlot Reserve which has won numerous double gold awards and trophies. Based on these factors, our cellar team decides on crushing methods, yeast type, fermentation method and temperature, type of wood for fermentation and ageing, as well as filtration methods required and a host of other factors, in order to ensure that the individual character of each lot of grapes is carried through to the bottle.

At Anura, we aim to produce wines which combine the robust fruit of the New World with the elegance and complexity of Old World winemaking styles.

Our Timeline

1989 - 1992

The Bouma Family purchase the farm previously known as ‘Sonop’ (Dutch for Sunrise), change it’s name to “Beaumont’ and begin to enjoy the farming life. In 1991 the head offices of Spectacle City, a flourishing optometry business, are built on the farm.

1992 – 2000

In 1992, the Boumas commence with planting of new trellised vineyards. The first vines consist of a combination of Pinot Noir and Merlot. In 1993 they also proceed to plant a plum orchard. Between 1996 and 2000, red cultivars Shiraz, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Pinotage are added, as well as white varietal Chardonnay. In 2000, Anura Vineyards is born, and the cheesery, Forest Hill, comes into being.

2001 – 2006

In 2003, they open their restaurant, LillyPad, where guests can enjoy tasty dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. In 2005, Lance Bouma participates in his first harvest and begins working in the cellar. 2006 sees the opening of the new tasting room facility, where visitors sample both Anura and Frog Hill wines, as well as Forest Hill cheeses.

2007 – 2009

In 2007 Anura undergoes a major expansion of its labeling, cellar and warehouse facilities. In 2008, Froggit Foods, a gourmet condiment company, is established on the farm.

2010 –
Present day

Between 2010 and 2012, the Boumas plant additional varietals Novelle, Grenache Noir, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, Carignan, Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Sangiovese and Mourvédre, and in so doing expand the Anura portfolio extensively. In 2011, 12 Pigs Charcuterie is established, widening the range of gourmet products made on the farm. In 2013, construction commences on the entranceway to an upmarket new lifestyle village and conference facility planned for the farm.