Entheos Ascendant: The Story Behind Weltevrede’s Iconic Cap Classique That Conquered Challenges, Critics, and Airways

Weltevrede Estate sits quietly in the limestone hills of Bonnievale, in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley, and has become known for its outstanding Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). One of its highlights is the Philip Jonker Brut Entheos, a wine that not only won medals but also brought national pride during the 2010 FIFA World Cup when it was served in South African Airways’ Premium Class. 

It earned Best Non-Vintage honours at the Cap Classique Challenge and continues to impress both critics and everyday wine lovers with its easy elegance and depth. Here’s the story of Entheos, woven together with Weltevrede’s journey into sparkling wine and the important role of its sibling, The Ring.

The Jonker Dynasty: A Century of Stewardship in Bonnievale

Weltevrede, which means “well satisfied” in Afrikaans, started in 1912 when Klaas Jonker planted the first vines near Bonnievale, at the southern edge of the Robertson Valley. His son Japie grew the winery in 1933, and later, Lourens Jonker, after studying winemaking in Europe and California, took over in 1962. He expanded the estate by adding nearby farms and was named National Farmer of the Year in 1996. 

Today, Philip Jonker, the fourth generation, leads with the same love for the land, focusing on Chardonnay and Cap Classique from the estate’s rare limestone soils, which give the wines purity, freshness, and a unique flinty taste.

This multi-generational commitment has shaped Weltevrede into a family-run icon, where heritage joins modern precision. For the complete family story, explore the About Us page.

Philip Jonker’s Global Apprenticeship: Lessons from Napa and Bordeaux

Philip Jonker joined the estate in 1997 after earning his B.Sc. Agric and working harvests in Napa Valley and Bordeaux. These experiences taught him the value of careful winemaking, like extended lees contact and careful fruit selection, and showed him that sparkling wine could be more than just a drink for celebrations — it could truly reflect its origin. When he returned home, Philip used these lessons to shape Weltevrede’s Chardonnay, setting the stage for a new focus on premium Cap Classique.

Sparking a Revolution: Weltevrede Enters the Cap Classique Arena

Though famous for its still Chardonnays, Weltevrede’s entry into MCC began with bold ambition. Philip Jonker’s first sparkling wine, originally launched as Philip Jonker Brut and later renamed The Ring, was a 100 percent Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs and signalled his debut as a winemaker.

The Cap Classique Challenge is considered South Africa’s leading event for naturally-fermented sparkling wines, highlighting the significance of The Ring’s recognition at this competition. Building on that triumph, Entheos emerged as the second chapter in the Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection, expanding the estate’s sparkling portfolio and solidifying its reputation.

The Ring: The Maiden Vintage That Started It All

The Ring Blanc de Blancs is special because it was Philip Jonker’s first Cap Classique, released to celebrate his wedding to Lindelize. The name stands for a pledge of lifelong commitment, and the first vintage was opened at their ceremony, making it a very personal wine. Made from 100% Chardonnay, it offers lively citrus, clean minerality, and elegant complexity, with flavours like lemongrass, fynbos-honey, cucumber, melon, mint, green apple, and crisp citrus.

The grapes are picked early for freshness, and the wine is made using the classic Méthode Cap Classique with long lees aging for a creamy texture. The Ring remains a top Blanc de Blancs, frequently praised for its inviting aroma, ripe stone-fruit notes, pineapple, and lasting structure. Recent vintages, such as 2023, are also recognised for their balance and energy. You can learn more about The Ring on the estate’s product page.

Entheos: The Name That Captures Divine Fire and Passion

“Entheos” comes from ancient Greek and means “divine inspiration,” “fire within,” and “unbridled passion.” Philip picked this name because the wine felt like a revelation to him — the result of the right limestone soil, ripe fruit, and careful winemaking, creating a sparkling wine full of life and energy.

Limestone’s Gift: The Terroir That Makes Entheos (and The Ring) Sing

Weltevrede’s fossil-rich limestone soils, rare in South Africa, give Chardonnay its unique minerality and Pinot Noir a bright, focused acidity. According to Winedexer, the Philip Jonker Entheos Brut from Weltevrede is made from grapes picked at a stage that provides generous fruit flavours, creating a lively sparkling wine that can be enjoyed young but also develops well with age. The unique soil of the estate also gives The Ring’s Chardonnay a distinctive freshness and minerality, contributing to the character that sets Weltevrede’s sparkling wines apart.

Both Entheos and The Ring are made using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique, which includes a second fermentation in the bottle, long lees aging (usually 18 to 36 months or more), hand riddling, and careful disgorgement. Entheos is a blend of about 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir for added complexity, while The Ring is made only from Chardonnay for a pure, focused style. According to Weltevrede Estate, Entheos is made from 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir, with grapes picked at a riper stage to highlight richness and fruitiness, and the wine is matured on lees for up to three years, giving it appealing complexity and character.

A Palate Poem: Tasting the Creamy, Citrus Elegance of Entheos

Entheos has a pale gold colour with a hint of green and a fine, steady stream of bubbles. Its aroma includes creamy biscuit, green pear, lemon zest, light honey, and a touch of toast. According to Cape Wine Crafters, this wine offers a pale yellow colour and aromas of melon, mango, peach, pineapple, and passion fruit, along with notes of butterscotch, crème brûlée, and a distinct touch of vanilla.

Triumph at the Cap Classique Challenge: Best Non-Vintage Glory

In 2009, Entheos won Best Non-Vintage Cap Classique at the WINE Magazine/Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, following The Ring’s overall win in 2005. Judges praised its balance, how enjoyable it is when young, and its ability to age well — exactly what Philip aimed for. Other awards include the SAA Trophy for Best MCC in Premium Class (2010/2011), Veritas Silver Outstanding, and consistently high ratings.

During the 2010 Soccer World Cup, South African Airways chose Entheos for Premium Class, giving visitors from around the world a taste of Bonnievale’s elegance while flying. This exposure, along with the SAA Trophy, helped make Entheos a symbol of MCC excellence in South Africa.

Beneath the Surface: The Underground Cellar That Brings Entheos Alive

The estate’s historic underground cellar, once used for aging muscatel, now holds racks of MCC bottles in a cool, quiet setting. The Captivated by Cap Classique tour lets visitors explore this space and taste wines like Entheos and The Ring straight from the source. This unique experience helped Weltevrede win the Global Wine Capitals' Most Innovative Wine Tourism Experience award. You can book your visit at Captivated by Cap Classique.

Ascendant and Enduring: Entheos’ Place in South Africa’s Sparkling Future

After 20 years, Entheos remains the approachable flagship of the Philip Jonker collection, alongside The Ring Blanc de Blancs, Rosetta Rosé, and more. It continues to earn praise  —89 points from critics, gold medals at Michelangelo and Veritas  —and is the bottle many South Africans pick for special occasions. From weddings to World Cup flights, Entheos and The Ring represent four generations of hard work, passion, and a commitment to excellence.

The next time you open a bottle with Philip Jonker’s signature label, you’re toasting to a sparkling piece of history.

Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut Entheos

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir

Méthode Cap Classique

Bonnievale, Robertson Valley

You can explore and buy Entheos, The Ring, or the full Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection from the estate’s shop.

Cheers to Entheos rising and to the ring that began it all.