About Ladybird Vineyards

Ladybird Vineyards carries a story of reinvention woven through some of Stellenbosch's most prized terroir. The 40-hectare property in the Simonsberg ward was known for decades as Laibach Vineyards, a respected organic producer that earned a loyal following for its Bordeaux-style reds and environmentally conscious farming. In April 2022, Johann and Paul Krige of neighbouring Kanonkop Wine Estate — widely regarded as a South African first growth — acquired the property and reimagined it under a new name.

The transition from Laibach to Ladybird was thoughtful rather than disruptive. Winemaker Francois van Zyl, who had been shaping the wines for years, stayed on, as did the experienced management team of Michael and Anel Malherbe. The 36 hectares of certified organic vineyards — Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Petit Verdot, and Malbec — continued to be farmed with the same commitment to biodiversity and soil health that had defined the property for over two decades.

What changed was ambition. Under the Krige family's stewardship, the estate gained access to one of the Cape's most storied winemaking traditions. Kanonkop's century-long expertise in Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Paul Sauer blends now informs the philosophy at Ladybird, while the organic vineyards bring a different dimension — lighter, more expressive fruit from soils that have never seen synthetic chemicals.

The property has also been transformed into Ladybird Boutique Hotel, offering luxury accommodation nestled among the vineyards with views of the Simonsberg. The tasting room presents wines from across the range — from fresh organic Chenin Blanc to structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon — at R50 per person.

For visitors who want to understand what organic viticulture looks like at the highest level in Stellenbosch, Ladybird is an essential stop. The vineyards are alive with the insects and biodiversity that give the estate its name, and the wines reflect a terroir that has been allowed to express itself without chemical interference. It is a property reborn — carrying forward a proud organic heritage under one of the most respected names in South African wine.

36 hectares of certified organic vineyards — among Stellenbosch's oldest

Owned by the Krige family of Kanonkop — a South African first growth

Winemaker Francois van Zyl — continuity through the transition from Laibach

Ladybird Boutique Hotel — luxury accommodation in the Simonsberg ward

Seven organic varietals including Malbec and Petit Verdot

Former Laibach Vineyards — decades of organic winemaking heritage

Simonsberg terroir — decomposed granite soils at altitude

Rich insect biodiversity from chemical-free farming

Gourmet

The Winemaker

Francois van Zyl

Francois van Zyl is the winemaker at Ladybird Vineyards, continuing the role he held during the estate's years as Laibach. His deep knowledge of the organic vineyards and Simonsberg terroir ensures continuity through the transition, crafting wines that balance organic purity with Stellenbosch structure. He also serves as head winemaker at Kanonkop.

Our Heritage

The story of Ladybird Vineyards through the years

1994

Laibach Vineyards Established

The property begins its journey as Laibach Vineyards, one of Stellenbosch's pioneering organic wine producers.

2022

Acquired by Kanonkop

Johann and Paul Krige of Kanonkop Wine Estate acquire the property in April 2022 and rename it Ladybird Vineyards.

2022

Ladybird Boutique Hotel Opens

The estate is reimagined to include luxury boutique accommodation alongside the organic vineyards and tasting room.

Sustainability

Ladybird Vineyards is one of Stellenbosch's longest-standing certified organic producers. The 36 hectares of vineyards are farmed without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, fostering the rich insect biodiversity that gives the estate its name. Cover crops, natural predators, and careful soil management maintain vineyard health organically.