Rust en Vrede dates to the late 17th century, when the governor of the region established it as ranch and farm. For the next two hundred years it sometimes grew grapes and produced wine. But the modern history of the state began in 1977 when the Engelbrecht family acquired Rust En Vrede and started producing wine for commercial release. Jean Engelbrecht now run the estate, which produces 20,000 cases annually, about half for export. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, red blends and Chardonnay.