As winter approaches, farm activities change gears. During the quieter months, the team focuses on the regenerative viticulture practices that will directly influence and improve the quality of future harvests. One such practice is the selection and planting of suitable cover crops. These plants can act as competition for weeds, competing for resources and … Continued
May is an enchanting time in the Cape – we find ourselves amidst the breathtaking beauty of autumn with its rich palette of golden hues. The still-warm days give way to swiftly cooling evenings, carrying a crispness that lingers into the early mornings. The once-dominant summer winds have subsided, allowing the mountains encircling the farm … Continued
It’s a very special edition of the newsletter this month, as we prepare to release the new vintages of our Rondekop series wines – the Per Se, the Stone Axe and the Rhodium. Adrian, Nic and Christo take us around Rondekop – our iconic round hill – to tell us more about each special wine … Continued
In May 2024, we will proudly release the latest vintages of our Rondekop wines. Rondekop Rhodium 2021 – Bordeaux Blend The journey of Rhodium began over a decade ago, with its inaugural vintage in 2010. Initially the wine was centred around the richness of Merlot, however, under the guidance of Nic Van Aarde … Continued
To some, it would just be a round hill – nothing to see here, move on. To us, it’s somewhere between our North Star and the centre of our Universe. It is extraordinary and exceptional all at once. Let me tell you why we believe this is the perfect place to make wine. … Continued
The delightful Chenin Blanc 2023 joins the Chardonnay 2023 in completing our Oldenburg Vineyards Series white wine line-up for the year. Crafted with precision and care, our Chenin Blanc 2023 embodies a refined and understated elegance that sets it apart. From the moment it graces the glass, delicate aromas of jasmine, celery, and shortbread dough … Continued
This month our interview is with Frederick King, Vineyard Foreman and Christo’s right-hand man. Frederick has been part of the Oldenburg Vineyards team for nearly two years now. Frederick tells us he really enjoys working with Christo, appreciating learning new ways of working from him daily, especially with regards to new techniques and practices applied … Continued
Last month, we discussed the virtues of magnums and the benefits of investing in these sizeable bottles. Now, we celebrate the passing of another year and the festivities this time of year brings with it, and the promise of a fresh start. This month we have opted for a small and exclusive release of … Continued
Some chilly weather made its way through the valley this November, but summer is on the way and the vines are looking green and gorgeous. Adrian visits one of our young Cabernet Franc vineyards, we hosted a group of the world’s foremost MW’s, we meet our new Head Sommelier and we taste some Chardonnay and … Continued
Did you know that grapevines flowered? It’s not common knowledge, as the flowers are so tiny, they can’t really be seen. Flowering is (as with most crops) a very important part of the fruiting process – and for wine grapes in particular, flowering and the conditions during this period can have a marked effect on … Continued
And with almost a blink of an eye, we roll into the end of another year! On one of my daily Rondekop walks, I snapped the header photo of the rolling of the cover crops, and the song Rawhide from the Blues Brothers popped into my head. Apologies for those of you who know it … Continued
This holiday season, wine collectors and enthusiasts are in for a delightful treat as three exceptional magnum wines are being re-released from our treasured library stock. These extraordinary magnums offer a unique opportunity to savour well-aged, collectible wines that are perfect for gifting and celebrating. In the words of Winston Churchill, “A magnum is the … Continued
