Our Heritage

Rooted in tradition, nurtured by time: our heritage unveiled.

A Legacy Rooted in the Land

At Piekenierskloof Wines, our story is one of resilience, heritage, and innovation. Perched atop the Piekenierskloof plateau, our vineyards thrive in a unique terroir that produces wines of intense character and depth. Every bottle reflects our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and honoring the land that has nurtured vines for generations.

Our vines grow under dryland conditions, meaning they rely solely on natural rainfall. This results in smaller, more concentrated berries, producing wines with exceptional structure, bold flavors, and remarkable aging potential. Our bush vines, untamed by trellises, grow close to the ground, naturally adapting to their environment and developing deep root systems that extract the purest essence of our terroir.

Piekenierskloof is home to some of South Africa’s oldest vines, many over 60 years old, still ungrafted and disease-free. These heritage vineyards produce wines with incredible finesse, elegance, and complexity—bottling history with every vintage.

Our Wines

As stewards of the land, we embrace sustainable farming practices, ensuring a balanced ecosystem for future generations. We are proud Carbon Heroes, actively reducing our carbon footprint through regenerative agriculture, water conservation, and minimal intervention winemaking. Our approach preserves biodiversity, nurtures soil health, and promotes long-term sustainability.

We believe in natural purity. Our wines are made without the use of animal-derived fining agents, making them 100% vegan-friendly. This allows us to craft wines that remain authentic, expressive, and true to their origins, without compromising on quality or flavor.

At Piekenierskloof Wines, we celebrate our rich heritage while embracing modern, sustainable viticulture. Every bottle tells a story of dedication, tradition, and respect for the land.

Join us on this journey and experience wines that are as timeless as the vines they come from.

Piekenierskloof Range

Piekenierskloof Wines' labels, like their wines, are rooted in history. The orange top honors Dutch origins and citrus farming. Each label depicts a "Piekenier," a historical watchman, in dynamic poses, narrating the winemaking journey.

These figures, in traditional attire, symbolize new beginnings, family legacy, and the harvest's bounty. The labels visually articulate the story, from vine to bottle, reflecting peace and liberty. Eight distinct labels, collectively, capture the essence of Piekenierskloof Wines, bridging the past and present through art and viticulture.
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Old Vine Range

The van Zyl family, pioneers, settled Piekenierskloof nearly a century ago, establishing a viticultural legacy among sandstone outcrops. Today, brothers Oubaas and Potgieter van Zyl safeguard this heritage, with Piekenierskloof Wines proudly part of the Old Vine Project.

Five certified wines, including the:
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

Highlight the region’s old vine wealth. These unirrigated bush vines, planted on their own roots in sandy loam, yield 2-4 tonnes per hectare, reflecting the region's historical and sustainable viticulture.
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Wilhelmina MCC

Wilhelmina, our ‘courageous protector’, was the driving force behind Johan Abraham van Zyl’s conquering of the wild Piekenierskloof in the early 1900s.Apart from inspiring him to accept the challenge, she was his companion and supporter as he cultivated this captivating land.

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.
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Six Hats Range

Our Six Hats range reflects the best of the Cape West Coast terroir and our commitment to progressive and equitable wine farming.As a farming community, the people and land of Piekenierskloof are intimately linked.

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!
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Join our wine society.

Enjoy award-winning signature grenache wines with exceptional taste.