De Grendel Wine Estate, located just 20 minutes from Cape Town, offers breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding vineyards, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in the Cape Winelands.
De Grendel, which means “the latch” in Dutch, has a history that dates back over 300 years. It was granted to the Graaff family in 1891 and since then, the estate has been passed down through four generations. The Graaff family is deeply rooted in South African history, with Sir David Graaff, 1st Baronet, playing a pivotal role in modernising Cape Town’s infrastructure, including its cold storage and refrigeration systems. The family has continued its legacy of innovation and excellence through the operation of De Grendel.
Today, De Grendel is managed by Sir De Villiers Graaff, who continues the family’s commitment to sustainability, quality and preserving the natural beauty of the land.
De Grendel’s vineyards benefit from a unique terroir, influenced by cool breezes from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This creates an ideal climate for growing premium grapes, producing wines that are rich in flavour yet elegantly balanced. The estate produces a diverse range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and its award-winning Bordeaux-style blend, Rubaiyat.
The Tasting Lounge with its long glass-encased verandah is possibly the most spectacular of any wine farm in the Cape. Look out over the vineyards to the magnificent view of Table Mountain, Cape Town city, and the Atlantic Ocean, or relax in the chilled lounge atmosphere.
Proposal Hill Cap Classique Brut Rosé 2021
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this bone-dry rosé showcases a fine, persistent mousse that opens with delicate notes of oyster shell and fresh lavender on the nose. Vibrant flavours of strawberry and black cherry are beautifully balanced by firm acidity, leading to an exceptionally long and refined finish.
Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc was so named because the grapes used to make this wine are grown in the vineyard that sprawls out right next to the old coach house (‘koetshuis’ in Afrikaans) where the wagons of days gone by were once kept.
The nose reveals intense aromas of green figs and freshly cut grass, complemented by tropical hints of passionfruit and guava. On the palate, crisp, zesty acidity delivers flavours of lime, green apple and white peach, beautifully balanced with subtle minerality. The wine has a full, rounded mouthfeel, with layers of fruit and herbal nuances unfolding towards a clean, lingering finish.
Winifred 2023
Named by the late Sir David Graaff in honour of his wife, De Grendel Winifred 2023 is a beautiful blend of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon, produced in very limited quantities.
This elegant wine offers delicate floral aromas, with notes of peach, apricot and citrus. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced with a rich, creamy texture, bright acidity, and a lingering finish of stone fruits and subtle oak spice.
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2023
This Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in high-altitude vineyards on top of the Witzenberg Mountain in Ceres, a region known for its apples and pears.
The wine opens with fresh aromas of citrus blossom, pear and green apple, along with subtle flinty notes. On the palate, bright acidity is balanced by a smooth, creamy texture, featuring flavours of lemon, peach and a hint of almond. The finish is long and crisp, with a refreshing minerality that reflects its cool mountain origins.
Op Die Berg Syrah 2022
It offers an expressive nose of ripe blackberries, plums and dark cherries, along with hints of black pepper, leather and subtle smokiness. The palate reveals rich black fruit flavours complemented by spicy notes and a touch of cocoa, all balanced by fresh acidity. The firm yet supple tannins provide structure, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2019 & 2022
It presents an aromatic bouquet of ripe strawberries, cherries and raspberries, accompanied by floral notes and subtle earthiness. This wine is elegant and well-structured, offering flavours of red fruits, baking spice and smokiness, with refreshing acidity and soft, silky tannins.
During our tasting, we had the pleasure of experiencing both the 2019 and 2022 vintages. The 2019 vintage displays a more developed complexity with rich fruit and earthy undertones, while the 2022 vintage offers a fresher, fruit-forward profile with vibrant acidity, highlighting the wine’s versatility and ageing potential.
Merlot 2006 & 2021
Rich aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and plums, complemented by notes of vanilla, chocolate, and subtle herbs. This wine is full-bodied and well-structured, offering a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavours and integrated oak, with a velvety mouthfeel and balanced acidity.
In our tasting, both the 2006 and 2021 vintages were presented to us. The 2006 vintage shows beautifully evolved complexity, with layers of dark fruit and earthiness, while the 2021 vintage presents a fresher, more vibrant profile, showcasing lively fruit and elegant tannins, demonstrating the wine’s potential for ageing and enjoyment in its youth.
Amandelboord Pinotage 2022
The wine is inspired by fond memories of the Almond Orchard through which the young Sir De Villiers Graaff would go horse riding with his grandfather.
Notes of plum and cherry with hints of almond and spice, evoking the essence of the almond orchard that inspired it. Offering rich fruit flavours balanced by a touch of oak and refreshing acidity. The soft tannins contribute to a velvety mouthfeel.
Rubaiyat 2019
De Grendel’s flagship wine. A Bordeaux style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Rubaiyat was named after Omar Khayyam’s exquisite collection of 1000 Persian love poems from the 10th century, held dear by the late Sir David. Each successive vintage features a different quatrain from the poem on the label, hence the blend of four varietals.
Floral hints of fynbos with aromas of blackcurrant and black plum, supported by complex notes of cedar and mocha, with subtle touches of black pepper and dried herbs. The wine opens elegantly with flavours of blackberry enhanced by smooth, rounded tannins and savoury spice.
Lunch or Dinner options available in their restaurant. The menu is based on classic ingredients served in creative flavour combinations and served with an inventive, modern edge. More recently the addition of a vegetable garden on the estate sees even more fresh produce on the plates at De Grendel Restaurant.
Contact Details:
Mon to Sat: 9am to 5pm
Sun & Public Holidays: 10am to 4pm
Booking is essential via tasting@degrendel.co.za or 021 558 6280
Categories: De Grendel Wine Estate
