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In 1898, De Beers Consolidated Mines, led by Cecil Rhodes, made the strategic decision to establish an explosives factory in the Cape Colony. Up until that time, explosives used in diamond and gold mining had to be imported at great expense, and the creation of a local facility would not only save significant costs but also ensure a reliable and readily available supply. Colonel William Russel Quinan from California was appointed to oversee the construction of the factory, bringing in his expertise from the Pinole Works.

The chosen site was in Somerset West, on a vast 11,600-hectare estate, now bordered by the N2 highway, the R44, and the Atlantic Ocean. This factory, known as the De Beers Dynamite Factory, became a crucial part of the region’s industrial landscape. In 1924, the factory merged with the Nobel Group, named after Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and the newly formed company was called African Explosives & Industries. The word “chemical” was later added in 1944, forming the name AECI, which remains today. Although dynamite production at the Somerset West site ceased in 1986, the location retained its historical significance as a former hub of explosive manufacturing.

In 2002, the old dynamite factory was given a fresh purpose when it was transformed into the home of Flagstone Wines. This unique conversion brought new life to the historic site, blending its industrial heritage with the craft of winemaking. Today, the former dynamite factory stands as a symbol of reinvention, housing Flagstone’s winemaking operations and offering wine lovers a distinctive experience rooted in history.