Kanonkop is renowned for its red wines, with Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot making up most of the plantings. Much of the Pinotage is bush-vine, often over 50 years old, yielding maximum ripeness whilst restricting the crop. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are trellised into a classic five strand hedge. Except for a small portion of the estate where the soil is slightly sandy, no irrigation is carried out.

Fermentation takes place in traditional open concrete fermenters, but the tanks are wide and shallow rather than high and deep, to ensure maximum skin contact. Winemaking is traditional, but informed by modern best-practice.  Kanonkop Estate has often been described by those 'in the know' as being the South African equivalent of a Premier Cru or First Growth. Awards received span nearly two decades and include IWSC titles for Winemaker of the Year, Best Blended Red Wine and Best Pinotage. Awards won also cover Canada, Brussels and consistent gold and double gold winners in the South African Veritas Competition.