The Glen Carlou winery is located in the northern part of the Simonsberg in the South African wine-growing district Paarl near the town of the same name. It was originally owned by the Simonsvley, who were the first Dutch settlers to settle on the Cape in the early 17th century. In 1985 the Lencarlou farm was taken over by Walter Finlayson of Scottish descent and renamed Glen Carlou David, who had learned the trade in Bordeaux at Château Margaux as well as in Australia and California.
The total property covers 108 hectares, 65 hectares of which are under vines. 60% of the white wine varieties Chardonnay (60%) and Chenin Blanc, and 40% of the red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Cot), Merlot, Mourvèdre (Monastrell), Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Shiraz (Syrah) , Tempranillo and Zinfandel cultivated. The premium wines include above all the “Chardonnay Reserve” (considered one of the best in South Africa) and the Bordeaux blend “Grande Classique” (Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot) and the Pinot Noir served in Lufthansa First Class. Around 250,000 bottles of wine are produced annually.