What’s new in the Swartland

Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography Johan Viljoen

There’s always something new in the Swartland. Where this question pertains to wine, new vintages are a consistent feature across winelands of the world. Not all happenings can however be measured equally.

The Swartland continues to capture the imagination of wine lovers. The quality of wines from the Swartland combined with the diversity of expressions and adventurous spirit of its winemakers imbues its reputation.

Furthermore, it is among the areas with a relatively higher concentration of small, independent wineries so changes in the status quo can carry more weight.

The latest milestones include a new cellar; some stand-out wine launches; and, a new foundation – all related to wine. Together, they represent an invitation to for visitors to explore what’s new on the Swartland Wine and Olive Route.

Before getting to the latest milestones, it’s worth considering the significance of the changes.

Why do wines differ every year?

While most wine-lovers know the answer to this question, it’s not obvious to newcomers to the field. Wines differ from vintage to vintage due to the natural variations in climate and growing conditions that occur each year, which significantly affect the quality and characteristics of the grapes.

Factors like temperature, rainfall, and sunlight during the growing season can influence grape ripeness, sugar levels, and acidity, all of which impact the flavour profile, aroma, and structure of the final wine. For example, a warm, dry year may produce wines with more intense fruit flavours and higher alcohol content, while a cooler, wetter year could result in lighter, more acidic wines. Indeed, it is a one-of-a-kind combination of these factors that creates the unique provenance that is the heart of labels bearing the title Swartland Wine of Origin.

Additionally, changes in vineyard practices or winemaking techniques from one year to the next can further contribute to differences between vintages. These variations make each vintage unique, adding to the complexity and allure of wine.

Why are new wines important?

This might seem like an obvious question too, but the importance of new wines is a sign of something bigger than mere production.

The introduction of new wines into a region represents an evolution in agricultural practices, economic opportunities, and cultural identity. As wine growers experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques, they challenge traditional boundaries and contribute to the diversification of the region’s agricultural output. This diversification can also foster greater resilience, as new wines may thrive in microclimates or soil conditions previously underutilized by local viticulture.

Culturally, new wines reflect a dynamic fusion of the modern with the traditional that transcends borders as knowledge is shared. This cross-pollination of ideas not only expands the region’s appeal to visitors and wine connoisseurs but also redefines the local wine identity. New wines offer opportunities for regions to carve out distinctive niches in a competitive global market, promoting a sense of pride in both their history and forward-looking creativity.

Economically, the introduction of new wines can reinvigorate a region’s wine industry by attracting attention from critics, enthusiasts, and investors. In this way, new wines can serve as catalysts for regional growth, enhancing not just the wine industry but the broader economy.

As may be seen in the latest developments in the Swartland, these characteristics are as relevant as they will be in whatever may follow.

So, what is new in the Swartland?

Numerous new vintage wines have been released in recent weeks. Be sure to visit the websites of our various farms to discover them. Scarcer are some exciting new wines.

• AA Badenhorst Family Wines has unveiled its Grensloos Chenin Blanc, a 2023 vintage wine that is a blend of fruit and wine from seven vineyards. Among authoritative commentators who have assessed the wine is Tim Atkin MW, who awarded this newcomer with 96 points.
• Schenkfontein Wines has released its first bottle fermented sparkling wine and a project 10 years in the making. The Cap Classique made from Chenin Blanc was named Truida after a matriarch of the family, and will be housed in the winery’s premium range.

Of bricks and mortar

Two projects that have long been in the making have finally opened and represent significant steps for the wineries themselves as well as the region.

Andrea and Chris Mullineux of their eponymous cellar on Roundstone Farm in the Riebeeksrivier area have opened their new tasting room.  The farm is the base of all Mullineux winemaking and is situated on the slopes of Kasteelberg mountain between Malmesbury and Riebeek Kasteel. It’s tasting room is called The Roundstone Room and offers the opportunity to taste and purchase award-winning Mullineux Signature and Single Terroir wines on the first Friday of every month from 10am to 3pm. Advance booking is essential. Groups are limited to 12 people.

A prominent happening on the Paardeberg has been the opening of Sadie Family Wines’ prominent new cellar at Rotsvas Farm. “It has been a long emotional, financial and energy-stripping process, but in the end, it will be all for the good,” Eben Sadie writes in his newsletter. “We managed to get the tanks in and most of the basics to operate just before harvest… The entire construction is a high-spec build with a significant focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, water repurposing, and resource maximising…”

The old cellar has been refurbished to be used for amongst others bottling, labelling and shipping. Their old offices are  HR training centre and offices for our junior protégé program…”

Something special

David & Nadia recently announced the creation of Agapetos, a foundation to undertake projects aligned with the brand and its philosophies. Agapetos is derived from Greek to mean “beloved”. As such, it aligns not only with the names of the couple’s wine names, but also their personal journey. The Agapetos Foundation will seek to “bring hope by making people feel beloved by fulfilling a need or special treat”.

• The Swartland Wine and Olive Route is a member organisation comprising the biggest representation of wine and olive producers of the Swartland region.