Garagiste Winery  ·  McGregor, Western Cape

Bemind Handcrafted wines from the heart of McGregor

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I like to produce elegant classic wines that everyone can enjoy.

— Ilse Schutte  ·  Winemaker & Owner, Bemind

Ilse Schutte — Winemaker & Owner of Bemind Winery
Our Story

Living a
Winemaker's
Dream

Ilse Schutte, owner and winemaker of Bemind, has spent over twenty years devoted to the craft of winemaking. A graduate of the University of Stellenbosch with a BSc in Agriculture (Oenology), her journey has taken her through celebrated cellars across the South African wine industry and as far as Israel, where she completed a harvest season.

Today, from a small garage on Voortrekker Street in the heart of McGregor village, Ilse produces wines of remarkable elegance and distinction. Bemind — meaning 'beloved' in Afrikaans — is a testament to passion, place, and the quiet confidence of a winemaker who has truly found her calling.

Using grapes sourced from carefully selected vineyards in and around the McGregor, Breedekloof and Bonnievale regions, Ilse crafts small-batch wines that carry the character of the Klein Karoo in every glass.

20+

Years Experience

8K

Bottles per Year

4

Varietals

Philosophy

The Garagiste Way

A garagiste winery is one where the winemaker produces wine in very small quantities — often literally from a garage — prioritising quality over volume and personal expression over commercial convention. It is a tradition born in Bordeaux and embraced by passionate craftspeople the world over. At Bemind, every bottle is a direct expression of Ilse's vision and the remarkable terroir of the Western Cape.

Small Batch

Limited production ensuring meticulous attention at every stage of the winemaking process.

Local Grapes

Sourced exclusively from vineyards in the McGregor, Breedekloof and Bonnievale regions.

Handcrafted

Each wine is a personal expression — made with care, intention and decades of mastery.

Exclusive

Direct from winemaker to wine lover. No distribution chains — pure provenance.

The Collection

Our Wines

01 White Wine  ·  Blanc

Sauvignon
Blanc

Bonnievale, Western Cape

Pale straw with a greenish hue. A crisp, refreshing nose of green apple, gooseberry and finely cut grass. The palate is bright and precisely balanced, with a clean mineral finish that speaks clearly of its cool Bonnievale origins.

Grapes from Bonnievale

02 Red Wine  ·  Rouge

Cinsault

Breedekloof Valley, Western Cape

Light ruby with a bright garnet edge. An expressive and fragrant nose of fresh strawberry, dried rose petal and a whisper of spice. On the palate, silky-fine tannins carry the red-fruit character to a soft, lingering finish. A wine of effortless charm.

Grapes from Breedekloof Valley

03 Red Wine  ·  Rouge

Shiraz

McGregor, Western Cape

Deep ruby-purple with an inky core. A rich and complex nose of dark plum, blackcurrant and crushed black pepper with warming spice. The palate is full and structured; 9 months in 2nd-fill 225L French oak lends a nuanced cedar and vanilla depth. Long and distinguished on the finish.

McGregor grapes 10-year-old vines  ·  9 months French oak

04 Sparkling  ·  Pétillant

MCC
Brut

Méthode Cap Classique

Fine, persistent bubbles carry aromas of fresh brioche, green apple and lemon zest to the surface. Crisp and beautifully structured on the palate with a creamy mousse and an elegant, refreshing finish. Crafted in the traditional method for a truly celebratory expression of the Cape.

Méthode Cap Classique  ·  Western Cape

Enquire About Our Wines
The Place

McGregor,
Western Cape

Nestled in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountains, McGregor is one of the best-preserved 19th-century villages in South Africa. Its clean air, ancient Bokkeveld shale soils, and warm Mediterranean climate create a terroir of remarkable character — a natural canvas for wines of elegance and depth.

Find Us

Visit
Bemind

Address

Voortrekker Street
McGregor, 6708
Western Cape, South Africa

Tastings

Tastings are available by appointment.
Please contact Ilse to arrange your visit to the garage.

Contact

ilse@bemindwinery.co.za

Send an Enquiry