Warship
La Couronne (The Crown) was a famed French warship of the French Navy built in 1636 by Cardinal de Richelieu. La Couronne was the first man of war built by the French themselves in accordance to Richelieu’s plans to renew the French Navy, after a series of ships built by the Dutch. The construction was overseen by the famous carpenter Charles Morieur, from Dieppe. She was one of the most advanced vessels of her time. She was equipped with 68 heavy guns, 8 firing to the bow and 8 to the aft, an unusual feature until Dupuy de Lôme redesigned naval artillery.
Dr J J Le Roux
Prof. Jacobus Johannes le Roux, linguist and Afrikaans cultural leader, was born on 10 November 1888 in Franschhoek. Dr JJ Le Roux was the last of the Le Roux brothers who farmed for 7 generations on La Couronne Farm, then known as Champagne Farm. He died on 6 Sept 1946 in Pietermaritzburg, Natal at the age of 58.
National monument
This beacon is at the place on the farm where since the 18th century until 1845 a smoke signal was sent out to notify the people from the valley that there will be a church service or gathering held on the farm.
La Couronne
Our Timeline
Campagne Farm
Dr J J Le Roux died and property exchanged hands several times.
1688 - 1946
Purchase Farm
Francois Smith took ownership. The first wines produced were Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Rosé and Portside Red.
Winemaker: Rudi Zantberg
2011
Portfolio Expanded
More wines were added to the portfolio – Unwooded Chardonay, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz
Winemaker: Rudi Zantberg
2012 - 2013
Barrel Fermented Chardonay
First Barrel Fermented Chardonay was produced, using 100% new French Oak Barrels.
Winemaker: Hardus van Heerden
2014
First Limited Release
First Limited Release reserve Pinotage was produced, 2800 bottled.
Winemaker: Eldorette Carinus
2015
New Winemaker
La Couronne appointed new Winemaker, Henk Swart
2016
Limited Viognier
Limited release Viognier was produced, 2100 bottled. Le Petit Malbec was added to the portfolio.