The first Coetzee arrived in Table Bay in 1679. They acquired their first land in Stellenbosch in 1682 (today known as Coetzenburg), with some more land acquired later in the Jonkershoek Valley. They left Stellenbosch to explore the rugged West Coast at the end of the 1680s. Jan Coetzee returned to Stellenbosch in 1963 to pursue his studies in viticulture at Stellenbosch University.

An essential element of wine is the historical agricultural background. If the grapes feel at home in the land, they can tell the story that the property written with a clear voice. In the 16th century, Olivier des Sevres said, "Terroir is an alliance of soil and a complex network of plants and light."

It was Jan's belief when he bought Vriesenhof in December 1980 -- situated at the foothills of the Stellenbosch Mountain, where the ever-changing climatic effect of the Atlantic Ocean is evident throughout the year. Jan's first wine produced was under the majestic oak trees in 1981.

In 1987, close friends bought the neighboring farm, Talana Hill. A few years later, the two farms were joined to form the estate, which is now known as Vriesenhof Vineyards.
Since 2006, the majority of the farm has replanted, except for small vineyard of old bush vine Pinotage at the top of the hill, as you enter the estate. These vineyards represent the wines of the new generation, who follow the philosophy that "The winemaker is a humble servant of nature. His role is to allow nature to produce the best possible wine." Wine is not only the memory of terroir but also the expression of place. However, it changes from vintage to vintage - an ever-evolving consciousness adding not only to the history of the area but also to the relationship between nature and man. Every wine is a true reflection of the triumphs and struggles of each growing season, and it is also the excitement of what the vintage can bring.