Dryland Vineyards vs…
Dryland vineyards rely solely on natural rainfall and moisture in…
THE HOME OF GRENACHE
Piekenierskloof Wines
ROOTED IN HISTORY, NURTURED BY GENERATIONS, CRAFTING HERITAGE IN EVERY SIP
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What makes us unique.
Piekenierskloof
The Piekenierskloof area, nestled in South Africa's Citrusdal Mountains, is a renowned wine region, particularly for Piekenierskloof Wines. This elevated plateau, historically named after Dutch "Piekeniers" (pikemen), boasts unique terroir. Its dry, sandy loam soils and high altitude create ideal conditions for unirrigated vines, notably Grenache. Piekenierskloof is considered "Grenache HQ" in the Cape, producing intensely flavored, unique wines. The region's history, combined with its distinctive climate, results in wines of exceptional character and quality, reflecting the area's rich viticultural heritage.
Grenache
Piekenierskloof has become synonymous with Grenache in South Africa. The region's history with this varietal is deeply rooted, with plantings dating back to the mid-20th century. Notably, in 1962, Carel van Zyl planted some of the first vineyards, including Grenache, in the area.
The dry, warm climate and sandy soils of Piekenierskloof provide ideal conditions for Grenache to thrive. unirrigated bush vines are a hallmark of the region, yielding intensely flavored grapes. This has led to Piekenierskloof being recognized as a premier source of Grenache, often referred to as "Grenache HQ" in the Cape.
Dryland Bushvines
Piekenierskloof is celebrated for its dryland bush vines, a testament to traditional, sustainable viticulture. These vines, primarily Grenache, thrive in the region's arid climate and sandy soils, relying solely on natural rainfall. This method, devoid of irrigation, forces the vines to root deeply, extracting vital minerals and concentrating flavors.
Bush vines, untrellised and low to the ground, offer shade to the grapes, protecting them from the intense sun. This traditional approach yields low volumes of intensely flavored grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional concentration and character, a hallmark of Piekenierskloof's unique terroir.
Our vineyards
Piekenierskloof's elevated plateau, 650-700m, features sandy loam soils on east-west slopes, imbuing wines with perfume and minerality. Cool nights and warm days foster slow ripening, yielding complex flavors, lower pH, and intense color. Dryland bush vines produce concentrated grapes, resulting in intensely flavored wines. Home to some of South Africa's oldest vines, 60+ years, Piekenierskloof is renowned for Grenache, with plantings dating to 1973. Grenache's drought resistance suits the arid climate. Piekenierskloof Wines cultivates 264ha in Piekenierskloof and 49ha in Swartland, showcasing the region's unique viticultural heritage.
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Why Grenache?
Grenache has deep roots in South Africa, and Piekenierskloof is at the forefront of its revival. The region is home to the country’s oldest Grenache vineyard, planted in 1973, and today boasts the largest plantings of this varietal in South Africa.
Thanks to Piekenierskloof’s high-altitude vineyards (650m–700m), cool nights, and warm days, Grenache thrives here, ripening slowly to develop intense fruit purity, fresh acidity, and elegant tannins. Our dryland bush vines, some over 60 years old, remain ungrafted and disease-free, producing smaller, more concentrated berries that result in wines of exceptional depth and finesse.
At Piekenierskloof Wines, we celebrate Grenache’s versatility and heritage, crafting both single-varietal wines and blends that showcase its vibrant red fruit, subtle spice, and signature minerality. This is true terroir-driven winemaking—authentic, expressive, and deeply rooted in history.
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Whether you’re curious about our rich history, eager to explore our meticulously crafted wines, or simply want to connect with a heritage steeped in passion and tradition, we’d love to hear from you.
