Reyneke Wines is one of 5 Stellenbosch properties to get First Growth status in Tim Atkin’s 2017 SA Report. Reyneke farm began in 1863 when it was then named ‘Uitzicht’, meaning ‘view’. It is located overlooking Stellenbosch and False Bay with north, south and east facing slopes. Reyneke is certified organic and biodynamic and follows sustainable practices in everything they do.
‘Their wines demonstrate the care they take, not infallible wines, rather honest and personality-driven wines that are distinctive, as much cerebral as sensory experiences.’ – Neal Martin MW.
Developing Reyneke Wines
Reyneke Wines spent much of the past year developing the 40-ha neighbour property on Stellenbosch’s rising star, the Polksdraai Hills. As expected, this involved removing vegetation, rehabilitating fynbos and planting vines, including filling gaps in the 1974 chenin vineyard because the fight against aliens is real, said Johan Reyneke.
Who is Johan Reyneke?
Johan Reyneke is an environmental philosophy graduate and viticulturist. He believes in the holistic natural system, with the place, plants, animals and people all interlinked but especially important are the people working the land. They are the true foundation of the business.
Reyneke Wines Cornerstone
Proceeds from the Cornerstone sales have bought the fifth house for the team members. Reyneke Wines’ principal is ‘good grapes make good wine, and good people ensure good grapes’. The Cornerstone is a blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. It achieved a 4/5 star rating, an outstanding wine.
Cellar Master and Winemaker
The grapes are handled as gently and as naturally as possible. Cellarmaster Rudiger Gretschel ans winemaker Barbara Melk ensure this. They believe in a non-intervention approach to make the wine. The winemaking process displays Uitzicht Farm’s individuality.
So you won’t find commercially cultivated yeast or bacteria, acid adjustments, fermentation aids but only natural solutions to natural challenges.
