Our Heritage
ROOTED IN TRADITION, NURTURED BY TIME: OUR HERITAGE UNVEILED
OUR FAMILY
Johan Abraham van Zyl and his wife, Wilhelmina, started to develop the rugged terrain of the Piekenierskloof mountain ridge.
Some 40 years later, in 1962, their son, Carel van Zyl, planted some of the first vineyards in the Piekenierskloof. Today the fourth generation of van Zyl’s celebrates their heritage with unique wines made from meticulously farmed and lovingly managed vines, some more than 60 years old.
Fondly dubbed the ‘Grenache HQ’ amongst wine lovers, the Piekenierskloof not only boasts with one of the largest Grenache plantings in the Cape, but it‘s extensive collection of old, unirrigated bush vine vineyards have stood the test of time and continuously deliver exceptional wines.
The dynamic duo, together with strategic partners Mientjie Mouton (founder of Carmien Tea) and Bennie Avenant (wine industry specialist), have since embarked on a mission to develop the immense potential of the Piekenierskloof area and its vines.
JOIN US ON A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TASTE
CELEBRATE THE VIBRANT FLAVORS THAT DEFINE OUR STORY.
OUR WINES
Upon entering the ‘gates’ of the Piekenierskloof by exiting the N7 and turning onto the Paleisheuwel Road (quite literally translated into ‘Palace on the Hill’ Road), admiration for the region’s terroir instantly sets in.
Vineyards grow on West- and East-facing slopes on both sides of a valley that winds its way in a North-South direction and are planted in Tafelberg sandstone soils at an altitude of 650m to 700m. The altitude, which has a tremendous impact on the cool down effect during hot summer days, coupled with the sandy loam soils, not only give our wines a sense of perfume and minerality, but also allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavours. This ultimately results in the creation of wines with predominantly fresh fruit and berry flavours.
Piekenierskloof is synonymous with the Grenache varietal. A vigorous and hardy vine with a strong wooden frame that thrives in hot and dry conditions, Grenache reaches its pinnacle of quality when the vines reach maturity. This varietal is also surprisingly water wise and seamlessly paves the way for Piekenierskloof’s arsenal of iconic Rhône varietals.
Under the watchful eye of our Cellar Master, Alecia Boshoff, Piekenierskloof Wines is fortunate to celebrate all that is wonderful about the Rhône valley in France and constaly produces award-winning Rhône-style South African wines with exceptional taste.
Piekenierskloof Range
The vibrant orange top reflects the Dutch origin of our name and the region’s citrus farming history. The labels represent our vision – new beginnings, family legacy, plentiful harvest, enjoying the fruits of our labour, peace and liberty. The result is one wine with eight different labels together, telling our story.Each label showcases a Piekenier in traditional dress, in an almost balletic stance, displaying the winemaking process from beginning to end:
Old Vine Range
Today brothers Oubaas and Potgieter van Zyl are guardians to a wealth of old vine gems and Piekenierskloof Wines is a proud member of the Old Vine Project with 5 certified wines in our Old Vine Range: Bergendal Chenin Blanc 1962 Samson Straw Wine Muscat de Frontignan 1962 Carel van Zyl Grenache Noir 1973 Heidedal Cinsault 1976 Johan van Zyl Pinotage 1976.
Our old vines are bush vine vineyards and are unirrigated and planted on their own roots in sandy, loam soils where they produce between 2 to 4 tonnes per hectare.
Wilhelmina MCC
We honour her brave spirit as matriarch of our pikeman line-up with this very rare and special Grenache Noir Méthode Cap Classique that displays layers of red fruit and enticing complexity gained during the time it spent on lees.
Six Hats Range
Through positive business practices and as a member of Fairtrade International, our aim is to uplift the communities – our extended family – which make what we do possible.The Six Hats stand for Partnership, Change, Potential, Equity, Dignity and Sustainability. Hats off to our people!
