ARENDSIG 

Region | Breede River Valley • District | Robertson • Ward | Bonnievale 

“My philosophy is to create great single vineyard wines from unique soil, climate and location. It’s the soil with all the microbes, cycle of elements and the help of living organisms that create the heartbeat for my vines. The location towards the sun wind and holistic climatical conditions reflects the uniqueness of each vineyard.”

NATURAL SPONTANEOUS FERMENTATIONS

“All my Single Vineyard Wines are made with minimal interference throughout the vinification. During fermentation natural yeasts are used with no enzymes.  Maturation takes place in neutral vessels to bring through the unique vineyard characteristics, that’s specific to the site. The handcrafted approach by human nature helps to add to the final balance of this unique product.” 

— Lourens Van der Westhuizen, wine maker 

The term “single vineyard wine” may only be used for wine produced from grapes derived from a unit officially registered for the production of single vineyard wine. Such a unit must consist of a single variety and the area may not exceed 6 hectares. — SAWIS.co.za

MONT BLOIS

Region | BREEDE RIVER VALLEY • District | ROBERTSON • Ward | HOOPSRIViER 

The history of Mont Blois Wine Estate and the Bruwer family begins in 1869 when the first farm was bought. Six generations later, Ernst Bruwer now manages our three farms in Robertson: namely Mont Blois, La Fontaine and Sunshine. The Mont Blois Wynlandgoed cellar was built in 1884. 

The farm is named after the picturesque town of Blois in the Loire where the Bruwers came from. Owner Ernst Bruwer took over from his Grandfather Ernst Bruwer Sr. He believed in sustainable farming and that older vineyards should be cared for. 

closilo

Region | BREEDE RIVER VALLEY • District | ROBERTSON • Ward | HOOPSRIViER 

CLOSILO is the name given to the picturesque Silo that was built in 1948 on Mont Blois, in the De Hoop Valley of Robertson, South Africa. Derived from the French term “Clos” meaning enclosed vineyard, but here the Silo is enclosed by a red clay wall, hand-built from fertile soils.

The South-Easterly from Aghulhas ensures that vineyards are cooled down each afternoon especially during the summer months. The 3 farms have quite diverse soils and daily temperatures.

Firstly, Mont Blois is situated in the Hoopsrivier Ward. They are the only winery in the Hoopsrivier area. The Hoopsrivier is an intermittent river that only flows after heavy South-Easterly rains late autumn and spring. Day and night temperatures in the De Hoop Valley are three degrees cooler than the town center which is about six kilometers away. This is due to the proximity of the Langeberg Mountains and the overshadowing it creates. On the river banks there are mainly deep alluvial soils with a large fraction of river pebbles. On the foot slopes, where the majority of vineyards are planted the soils heavy-textured reddish-brown soils.

Secondly, La Fontaine is also in the Hoopsrivier ward but about three km closer to the town center. Vineyards are located on the plains rather than foot slopes. This area is slightly warmer and is where the Pinotage and Cabernet vineyards are located. The reds ripen perfectly in the deep red Karoo soils with a high percentage of clay in the sub-layers.

Thirdly, Sunshine farm is typical Robertson soils and lies on the banks of the Breede River, about 25 km away from Mont Blois. Deep red Karoo soils with abundant limestone patches dominates on this farm. It’s the limestone that makes these soils so special. They ensure that natural acidity is retained in the grapes. This is a very low-rainfall area and irrigation is essential. Excellent quality water is obtained from the Brandvlei Dam as well as the Breede River. The soils on the banks of the Breede River are alluvial soils. The climate here is more continental with warm temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night.

Jan harmsgat (JHG)

Region | robertson

JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines – this is the smallest production unit for vineyards and may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Since 1723, Jan Harmsgat Farm, or JHG, has been situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson Wine valley along the foothills of the Langerberg Mountains. Their unique position borders with the dry conditions of the Karoo as well as the cool sea breezes from the Coastal Regions. The direction of planting runs from east to west.

The JHG vinification process is conducted with minimal interference, using spontaneous fermentation and no enzymes during fermentation. Due to minimal interference through vinification, sediment may occur. Highlighting their vineyard’s unique characteristics, maturation takes place in neutral vessels.

ciena

Region | WESTERN CAPE

Inspired by traditional bubbles and happiness, this elegant still wine combines early harvest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir into a harmonious blend of freshness and spicy tropical fruits. A unique palate experience that walks the tight line between richness and sophisticated playfulness. Savor with a bit of sunshine and good friends.

APHAEA

Region | WESTERN CAPE

Handcrafted and Certified Sustainable, Aphaea is a red blend of the finest in estate grapes, offering a smooth, rich taste profile that features ripe, dense blackberry, with notes of chocolate, rich raspberry and bursts of wild strawberry. Creamy, molten blueberry lingers on the nose harmoniously balancing the long-lasting finish with whispers of cedar spices and wild fruit.

This lush palate experience takes its name from Aphaea, a lone, majestic tree rooted in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape. Overlooking a luscious green valley and nestled on the foot of a magnificent mountain range, the stately Aphaea symbolizes the history and grandeur that is deeply embedded in this area.

OAK VALLEY

Region | CAPE SOUTH COAST • District | ELGIN 

Oak Valley Estate is a 5th generation family farm owned by the Rawbone-Viljoen family since 1898 when the property was purchased by Sir Antonie Viljoen. In 1902, Antonie planted the first Semillon and Cinsault and in 1908 he built the first wine cellar in Elgin. 

With vineyards 500m above sea level, the high altitude, cool south-easterly winds, cloud cover and cold winters make Elgin the coolest wine region in South Africa. This cool climate allows for the gradual ripening of grapes, creating wines of delicacy, freshness, flavour and balance.

Towering above our vineyard is the Groenlandberg mountain with its highest peak of 1,181m. The Groenlandberg slows down ripening even further by casting its shadow over the vines and directing cold air down the valley at night. 

Our mission at Oak Valley is to produce world-class cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that speak to our unique terroir.

SPIOENKOP

Region | CAPE SOUTH COAST • District | ELGIN

“Spioenkop — “Spy Mountain” The Roose Family dreamed of a place where life can be treasured and grapes make one reflect on the beauty of the earth & nature. The Spioenkop estate is founded on steep slopes and ideal soils. 

All my wines are organic and vegan. I don’t use any product from animals, milk, gelatine, or fish. I have no certificates and never want to have them, they are money sucking scams!

I’m the only producer in Elgin that planted Pinotage.”

— Koen Roose

BREW CRU

Region | Cape South Coast • District | Walker Bay

Brew Cru is dedicated to cool-climate wines from the Cape South Coast, sourcing grapes from maritime wine wards such as Elim and Walker Bay.

Both our Elim and Walker Bay vineyards share hardened landscapes with constant gusts of Atlantic sea wind which contributes to a cooler climate. This unique terroir provides extended ripening periods and extremely low yields resulting in small, intensely flavored berries with great potential.

Driven by a deep passion for Burgundian-style wines, we are constantly exploring the back roads of the Cape South Coast in search of unique vineyard pockets to produce authentic site-specific wines that reflect their wild origins. 

Strandveld

Region | Elim + Cape Agulhas

Nestled between Elim and Cape Agulhas, and just 9km from the sea, lies the secluded Strandveld Vineyards.

This wind-swept winery derives its name from the belt of land which spans the tempestuous tip of Africa’s southernmost coastline. At almost 35 degrees below the equator, this part of our fair Cape is characterized by severe winds, billowing mist and below average temperatures. A unique combination of maritime climate, alternating sites and diverse soil types work together to create the terroir which distinguishes the wines of Strandveld Vineyards.

It was in 1488 that Bartholomeu Diaz and his team of Portuguese sailors first laid eyes on this corner of the continent. Centuries later similarly intrepid explorers, in their infinite wisdom, realized the potential such a richness of environment could produce. Inspired by these individuals, it was in 2001 that a group of enthusiastic wine lovers turned to the original navigation maps to seek out potential new vineyard sites equally undeterred by the fierce storms and blustering gales that now give rise to the characteristic grapes and consequentially distinctive Strandveld Vineyards wines.

Hermanuspietersfontein

Region | Cape South Coast • District | Walker Bay • Ward | Sunday’s Glen 

Were it not for the sheep, we would not have a story to tell. In the early 1800s, farmers from the Overberg region imported a teacher by the name of Hermanus Pieters to teach their children Dutch, the forefunner to the Afrikaans language. Mostly paid in sheep, they used to graze at a fountain where he camped. This spot soon became known as “Hermanus Pieters’ Fontein”. 

HPF combines a European mindset and gravity concept to minimize handling and intervention in the winemaking process. The conservation-conscious farm is located in South Africa’s cool climate, premium wine producing region and nestles in the sheltered mountainous area called Sondagskloof. Less than 20% under vine, our viticulture strategy focuses on low-yield farming in the interest of quality. 

WATERKLOOF

Region | Coastal REGION • District | Stellenbosch — SOMMERSET WEST

“It was improbable that I would ever find the plot of land needed, but my worldwide search spanning more than a decade ended when we discovered a natural amphitheatre lying 1000 feet above and just two miles from False Bay on the Schapenberg. 

Decisions were then taken on appropriate cultivars, planting density and training. Biodynamic farming practices were implemented. Vinification and maturation techniques were determined, a cellar was designed to facilitate these methods and construction began. The final and critical ingredient? A great team of people with a common goal: To produce fine wine.”

—Paul Boutinot, Former waiter, sommelier, wine importer, winemaker and now Custodian at Waterkloof

FALSE BAY

Region | Coastal REGION

Named after South Africa’s most iconic bay, which frames much of the country’s premium winelands, False Bay Vineyards was borne out of a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable.

In 1994, Paul Boutinot came to the Western Cape to seek out and rescue grapes from old, balanced and under-appreciated vineyards. Unusually for that time, Paul transformed those Cape gems into wines with a minimum of intervention: Wild yeast ferments, no acid additions…you know the drill. A familiar story to many ‘real wine’ lovers now, but back then he was swimming against the tide. Even today, making wine this way at the price-level is almost unheard of.

Today the ingredients remain the same for Waterkloof’s Cellar— Master Nadia Barnard: Fantastic coastal fruit, old vines and wild yeast abound, with additions avoided.

radford dale

Region | stellenbosch

Radford Dale is an organic property and became the self-proclaimed first natty producers in South Africa 20+ years ago.

Across everything they do at Radford Dale, they aim to create wines of complete individuality, always. Combining a keen pursuit of innovation and a healthy respect for tradition, they produce refined and often elegant wines, designed to be enjoyed as they have been throughout history; socially, gastronomically and festively.

overgaauw

Region | stellenbosch

Wine that is true to its roots means a deep respect for terroir.

At Overgaauw, it also means a deep respect for heritage – a heritage of winemaking pioneers. The Van Veldens have been innovators from the very start, which gives them a few industry firsts to boast of: They were one of the first Cape farms to use small, new French oak barrels for the maturation of red wines. They produced South Africa’s first Bordeaux blend, the beloved Tria Corda, in 1979. And in the early 80s, they were the first South African estate to bottle a single-varietal Merlot (an unusual endeavor at the time). 

“This is a special one for me as these were the first wines I ever sold in the wine industry 20 years ago and the first winery tour I had ever been on. Overgaauw is arguably the most age-worthy property in the Western Cape. The winery has been bottling wines since the mid-1900s, however the family farm has been operating since the 1700s. Overgaauw has done a great job of holding back stock from most vintages, going back to the ‘70s-- Keep your eye out for periodic releases of these exceptional old vintages!” - Jesse

de rustica estates

region | Western Cape • District | Klein karoo

De Rustica Estate, named after the small Southern Cape town, De Rust and a book by Roman author Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella that was, for more than 1000 years, considered in the ancient Western World as the bible of professional agriculture. In fact, Columella dedicated a number of chapters in De Re Rustica to the olive tree.

Surrounded by World Heritage Sites and unique floral diversity, De Rustica Olive Estate is situated deep in the picturesque Swartberg Mountains of the Southern Cape.

South Africa’s top EVOO, hands down. De Rustica is a triple gold award winning olive estate that focuses on blending perfection and creating only the best quality extra virgin olive oil. Their extra virgin olive oil can compete with the very best from anywhere in the world!

Artist Spotlight: Walter Battiss's long career as an artist was devoted to the study of man in his environment; first in the context of Africa and rock art, then, later, in the interpretation of this concept in its broadest sense. His versatility and influence as an innovator and the incentive he provided for many aspiring artists secured him a special place among leading South African artists.

New harbour Distillery

Region | cape town

New Harbour Distillery is an experimental micro-distillery producing award-winning gins, vodka, brandy, rum and cocktail mixology products. They combine science, art, and nature with new and innovative processes to create the smoothest tasting spirits.

Infusions of nature. New Harbour only uses sustainably sourced, organic ingredients to distil our range of craft spirits.

Handmade with care. Small-batch spirits distilled & bottled by hand at their state-of-the-art micro-distillery.

Sustainable production. Sustainability at their core. There is zero waste throughout the distilling process.

“When you find the right mix of art, science and chemistry while seeing an opportunity to do something truly exceptional, then you're given a chance to create something as unique as the South African landscape.” – Nic Janeke, COO & Master Distiller