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Swartland, literally translated, means Blackland. When settlers first arrived in the Cape in the 1650’s, they discovered, north of Table Bay, vast planes covered in thick, black bush. This, they then discovered, acted as the natural nutritional staple for the diet of the wild Rhinoceroses which roamed these planes. They named it the Swart Renoster Bos (the Black Rhinoceros Bush) and the land it covered the Swartland. As we discovered, some three and a half centuries later, there is certainly more to this region than meets the eye…
From an international point of view, South Africa’s most famous vineyard area is Stellenbosch. In recent years, we have increasingly seen a recognition of the separate and diverse Terroirs and micro-climates that make-up this expansive Appellation. We’re bound to see a reclassification of the sub-regions within Stellenbosch over the coming years, as we learn to understand the individuality and natural suitability of certain sites, geologies and micro-climates to corresponding and individual wine types. At the same time, and as the culture of experimentation and innovation spreads and intensifies among our wine producers, we are discovering brand new areas around the coastal, Western and Southern areas of the Cape. Areas where time will prove to us that the best has certainly yet to come. It is without a doubt that the future will allow us to surpass anything we have achieved thus far in South Africa wines.
At The Winery, we have been analyzing and experimenting in various alternative sites around the Cape, across an array of cool climate areas, high altitude locations and warmer though coastal spots -using numerous grape varieties, styles and techniques. From the Southern tip of Africa at Cape Aghulus, over the Mountains to the altitudes of Elgin, heading westwards all the way along to the Atlantic-facing summits of the Darling Hills. But the most exciting results we have unearthed are from the totally unassuming though inspiring Perdeberg Mountain, in the Swartland. We believe that this West Coast site is the best kept viticultural secret in South Africa.
