Now and again, I take a few minutes to reflect on how I got to this point. How would things have turned out if such and such had happened, and who played a significant role? As it would with most, family members feature highly in these thoughts, and there is no doubt that family is almost always an essential factor in determining one’s path.
In my case, my paternal grandmother played a significant role, and by extension, there is a clear line between her, myself and the Oldenburg Vineyards project. My family and I left South Africa in the late 1960s as my father was to pursue his post-graduate studies in the USA. To keep her family together, my grandmother insisted that we return for Christmas each year in Stellenbosch.
Una (V)an der Spuy was born in July 1912 in East London, and passed away just days before her 100th birthday in 2012. In 1941, she and my grandfather purchased Old Nectar near Stellenbosch, a property they transformed into a renowned garden despite their initial lack of knowledge about plants. This garden was declared a National Monument – the only private garden to receive such an honour. Her experiences in the garden led her to write twenty books on gardening, and she was writing them well into her nineties. Often referred to as the doyenne of South African gardening, her life was a testament to her passion for gardening and commitment to preserving South Africa’s natural and architectural heritage. Her legacy continues to inspire gardeners and conservationists alike.
Una had a great thirst for exploration, leading her to travel worldwide. She looked for garden inspiration and occasionally returned with a smuggled plant or two in her suitcase – some are still growing at Old Nectar. I believe this exploratory mindset played a role in my family’s initial move from South Africa and has played a role in my own family’s nomadic existence over the years. However, our annual return to the Cape has led to my deep-rooted belief that Oldenburg and our vineyards on Rondekop are my ‘spiritual home’.
During the early years of Oldenburg Vineyards, I spent time with Una. I would visit her at Old Nectar for an evening garden walk or dinner – our conversations were multi-faceted, and I remember discussing a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from finance, economics and investing (she was a keen investor), through to farming, conservation and pretty much anything I dared to raise – she always had an interesting point of view and an ability to dig deep. For a woman in her late nineties, her mind was razor-sharp, as was her fitness; Una had no issue scaling Rondekop at 91.
Upon acquiring Oldenburg, I remember her telling me about the invasive species of blue gums, black wattle and Port Jackson plants overtaking much of the Cape’s indigenous flora. This discussion inspired me to clear these invaders from the 1km of the stunningly beautiful river running along one side of the property. From there, many similar farm clearing projects began, leading to several hectares of indigenous vegetation becoming “rewilded”. Using fynbos corridors between our vineyards is an extension of the same thought. Oldenburg’s recent endorsement as a Conservation Champion by the WWF ties back to those earlier conversations.
In 2018 we began a philosophical shift in how we thought best to manage our vineyards. I gravitated to the belief that our vineyards were best considered a garden and each vine should receive individualised care. We would shift to ‘tending to our garden’ when looking after our vineyards and farm more broadly. This change, which we now call Precision Viticulture, was inspired by my grandmother, her love for plants and gardens and additionally her passion for perfection. “’If you do a job, do it properly”. An old school philosophy, no doubt, but the forerunner to this innovative approach. This philosophy and practices have blossomed with the arrival of Christo in 2021.
The Una V Rondekop Chardonnay Maiden Vintage 2023 is a single-vineyard wine – the new vineyard’s first harvest. Nic’s delicate touch in the cellar is evident in this unique wine, which is distinct in its taste, with an elegant expression and a lingering finish. It offers a bouquet of lilies, jasmine, oyster shells, and flintiness as well as a palate of white peaches, lemon curd, and almond shavings. We are thrilled to announce the release of Una V set for later this year, a wine that embodies passion and dedication. 240 Bottles will be released En Primeur to wine club members only, at R720 per bottle. En Primeur orders will be limited to 12 bottles per member. Release pricing TBC. If you are interested in the pre-release, please contact Stefan.
The name Una V symbolises a myriad of qualities: a love for plants and gardens, a spirit of learning and adaptation, a sense of adventure, an appreciation for the Cape’s natural beauty, a commitment to conservation, and above all, a tribute to a vibrant, ambitious woman. Like all grandmothers, Una cherished her family and understood the value of shared moments. Una’s influence on the Oldenburg Vineyards project is profound, and we raise a glass in her honour.
