We specialise in Chenin Blanc and Pinotage only. We believe that these wines are best suited to our climate and soils and have trialed and tested many different varieties over the years to confirm this. We take great care in how our wines are made and pay close attention to all the details both small and big which has a big impact on the end result which we are very proud of.
We believe that terroir consists of the intricate interplay of land, climate, and people.
Our farm has low-potential vertical shale soils, also known as Schist, characterised by sedimentary layers oriented vertically with excellent drainage. There is 300 mm of topsoil overlaying a thin layer of clay before reaching the vertical shale. The presence of clay aids in moisture retention, crucial for sustaining the vines.
Prior to planting, meticulous soil preparation is imperative to facilitate root growth. Breaking up the shale ensures efficient drainage, particularly during the winter months when excess water needs to be diverted away from the vines.
The shale’s low water retention capacity offers distinct advantages, allowing us to precisely control irrigation to promote growth or restrict moisture, resulting in small, intensely flavoured berries and clusters. Additionally, our shale soil imparts wines with a low pH, conducive to aging and producing wines of exceptional quality.
We’ve cultivated bush vines, yielding low-tonnage, intensely concentrated grapes, alongside open trellis vines that produce exceptionally fruity grapes.
Our philosophy revolves around the belief that great wines start in the vineyards.
We are deeply committed to our environment, which drives our eco-friendly, chemical-free vineyard management approach. To nurture the health of our vines and soil, we employ various methods aimed at enriching the land. Among these practices, we incorporate cover cropping and utilise mulch beneath the vines, fostering a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both the vines and the environment.
Harvested at night and all by hand, harvest time usually begins around February and March months.The average temperature in these times can range from mid thirties to low forties. For this reason we harvest at night. The cooler evening temperatures are much better for our dedicated harvest team as well as the grapes themselves.
Starting at around 21:00 and ending at around 06:00 the following morning, all bunches are hand picked and then transported to our cellar for processing. This approach guarantees the preservation of the grapes’ optimal quality and flavour profile throughout the harvesting process and is better for our dedicated harvest team.
Designed in 1999 by the esteemed winemaker Gunter Brozel, who had retired from Nederburg after 33 years. The shape of our cellar resembles our logo.
Nestled adjacent to the hotel, our cellar offers panoramic views of the farm and vineyards.
Within this space, the art of winemaking takes center stage. Our approach is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the grapes’ inherent qualities to shine. We prioritise gentle, clean fermentations with minimal additives, ensuring that the essence of our soil and vineyards is authentically expressed in every bottle. This commitment to purity and transparency underscores our dedication to crafting wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
Adriaan Jacobs is our head winemaker, having joined our team in 2022, where his devotion to wines and winemaking quickly became evident. His profound affinity for working in harmony with nature spurred his initial interest into the world of winemaking.
Teaming up with Kane, our assistant winemaker, they head up our cellar work, infusing them with innovation and vision. Together, they form the dynamic duo behind our cellar team, currently they are working on a series of exciting ventures and innovations set to unfold in future vintages of our wines.
Come and join us for a tasting experience where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our diverse range of wines and learn more about the process and what goes into making these exceptional wines.
Our wine tastings take place either on the picturesque terrace overlooking the vineyards and farm, or in the cozy ambiance of our wine lounge on chillier days.
Bookings are recommended.
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