Searching for a wine tasting experience where the scenery is just as captivating as what’s in your glass? Roughly 8 kilometres outside Stellenbosch, en route to Franschhoek, Oldenburg Vineyards offers exactly that.
It’s a destination where the landscape and the wines speak the same language. In winter, the mood shifts into something even more enchanting. Mist clings to the mountains, the air is cool and crisp and the valley quiets under a softer, slower rhythm which creates the perfect setting to explore aged wines with depth and soul.
What sets Oldenburg apart isn’t just its beauty, but the harmony of eight natural elements that shape a profound sense of place: the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, surrounding mountain ranges, the natural amphitheatre that cradles the vineyards, elevation, soils, the cool valley winds and the iconic Rondekop hill.
About Oldenburg
Oldenburg is situated in the elevated Banhoek Valley. Sometimes spelled “Banghoek”, a name that dates back to early settlers who braved its wild, rugged terrain. The name means “scary corner”, but today the valley is anything but. Instead, it’s recognised as the coolest ward in Stellenbosch. A climatic advantage that ensures a longer growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, achieving full phenolic ripeness. Harvest happens two to three weeks later than the surrounding areas, and always by hand with no machines in sight.
Once a fruit farm, the estate was established in 2003 when Adrian and Vanessa Vanderspuy acquired the land. Soil testing followed and in 2004, the first vineyards were planted. Today, all the vines are situated around and atop Rondekop, a 360-degree hill that provides a diverse range of slopes and exposures. The wines are fermented naturally and aged with patience, to let terroir shine through in every bottle.
With annual rainfall averaging around 1000mm, erosion is a real risk, especially on Rondekop’s slopes. To preserve soil health and structure, the team has planted cover crops like barley and fava beans between the vineyard rows. Surrounded by mountains, the farm receives about two hours less sunlight each day compared to the rest of Stellenbosch.
When it comes to pest control, Oldenburg chooses not to use any pesticides, even though two common threats in the industry are the snout beetle, which feeds on vine leaves, and the mealybug, which spreads leafroll virus by laying eggs on the vines. Instead, they’ve turned to nature for reinforcements. Guinea fowl help control the snout beetle, while wasps and ladybugs target mealybugs by laying their eggs inside them. All invasive plant species have been removed, and indigenous fynbos has been reintroduced across the farm. To support pollination, honeybee boxes have been placed throughout the fynbos corridors.
Being surrounded by a natural mountain amphitheatre helps trap the cool air within the valley while keeping the warmer air out. In the late afternoons, a breeze rolls down from the mountain tops, clearing the air and gently cooling the vines, creating ideal conditions for slow, even ripening.
Library Tasting
For those craving something beyond the ordinary tasting flight, Oldenburg’s Library Tasting offers a journey through time, where age has refined every nuance in the glass. It features a curated line-up of wines aged for at least a decade. We tasted 2012 vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Rhodium. Each wine shows how time adds depth, character and smoothness.
While Oldenburg doesn’t have a restaurant, the tasting includes a delicious locally sourced cheese board with Boland cheese from Dalewood Fromage, crackers from Dell’Amore in Stellenbosch and olives from a neighbouring farm, Tokara. Perfect to snack on while tasting the different wines and soaking up the views of mountains and vineyards.
Oldenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in sunlight and demands time on the vine to fully ripen. It’s a grape that never hides. Its expression is deeply influenced by where it’s planted and in this case, it delivers a precise impression of Rondekop’s cool-climate character. The wine spent 20 months in new French oak, adding depth and polish.
On the nose, expect an alluring blend of rosemary, cedar and soft hints of leather. The palate unfolds with dark blackberry fruit, subtle red cherry and a final whisper of vanilla.
Oldenburg Cabernet Franc 2012
Often overlooked as a blending grape, Cabernet Franc takes centre stage here and does so with confidence. It responds beautifully to cooler climates and is known for its uneven ripening, which gives rise to nuanced complexity in the glass. Aged for 20 months in 25% new oak. It’s easy to see why the Banhoek Valley is known for producing exceptional single-varietal Cabernet Franc.
On the nose, it’s floral and herbal together with lavender, violets, rosemary and hints of leather all make an appearance. The palate brings bright red fruits and a silky touch of vanilla rounding out the finish. A reminder that Cabernet Franc is not only the genetic parent of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, it’s also a formidable wine in its own right.
Oldenburg Syrah 2012
The Syrah spent 19 months in 40% new oak, allowing the wine to develop depth without losing its vibrant character. On the nose, it opens with sour cherries and a subtle, zesty lift. The palate reveals layers of lavender and jasmine, alongside notes of ripe plum, tobacco and hints of charcuterie. It’s the kind of wine that feels perfectly suited to a Stellenbosch winter, bold yet comforting, with a touch of spice and structure that echoes the valley’s crisp air and quiet beauty.
Rondekop Rhodium
Rhodium is a rare and valuable metal, often used in luxury jewellery and 80% of the world’s supply is mined in South Africa. The owner of Oldenburg has long had a deep interest in precious metals and for him, Rhodium is a fitting symbol of the exceptional potential found in South African wines especially those grown on Rondekop.
This Bordeaux-style blend spent 19 months in 50% new oak. The nose shows jasmine, rosemary and a mix of floral and herbal tones, while the palate is layered with vanilla, tobacco, dark berries, ripe plum and a spicy edge reminiscent of paprika. At Oldenburg, their blends lean towards a right-bank style, with Merlot taking the lead, followed by Cabernet Franc and just a touch of Malbec.
Blind Tasting
To end off the experience, two additional wines were poured as a surprise blind tasting, adding an unexpected and playful element to the line-up. Tasting without labels or context encouraged a different kind of focus and a chance to rely purely on senses and instinct. It sparked lively conversation and quiet contemplation alike, deepening our appreciation for the detail and expression in each glass. Moments like these are a reminder of how wine can surprise, connect and challenge us.
Oldenburg Merlot 2014
This Merlot reflects a more refined, age-worthy style. Structured, expressive and unmistakably shaped by its cool-climate origin. It spent 19 months in 40% new oak, which adds subtle depth without overwhelming the fruit. On the nose, it opens with layers of lavender, rosemary, violets and a hint of eucalyptus, offering both freshness and aromatic complexity. The palate leans towards savoury, with notes of red cherry and red plum wrapped in earthy undertones and soft, integrated tannins. It’s a wine that speaks quietly but with confidence, evolving beautifully in the glass and capturing the elegance that defines Oldenburg’s approach.
Oldenburg Joshua (Maiden Vintage)
Named in honour of the owner’s son, who was born just before the harvest, Joshua holds a special place in Oldenburg’s story as the estate’s very first wine. A maiden 2007 vintage, made from 100% Syrah. It’s not only a tribute to family, but also to the beginning of a winemaking journey rooted in intention and place.
This Syrah showcases remarkable poise and longevity, especially considering it was the farm’s debut release. On the nose, it’s layered with dried herbs, black pepper, leather and subtle floral notes. With time in the glass, more evolved aromas emerge with hints of cured meat, dried violets and forest floor. The palate is savoury and earthy, yet still carries the memory of dark fruit and stewed plums with well-integrated tannins and a lingering, slightly smoky finish.
A visit to Oldenburg in winter is something special. The quiet beauty of the Banhoek Valley adds an intimacy to every sip. It’s a time when the wines feel deeper, the air cooler and the stories richer. In Stellenbosch, winter doesn’t slow down the experience, it enhances it, offering a slower pace, a warmer welcome and the kind of tasting that stays with you long after the last glass is poured.
Contact Details:
Reservations Essential
Tel: 021 885 1618
Email: thetastingroom@oldenburgvineyards.com
Visit: oldenburgvineyards.com
Zevenrivieren Road
Banghoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Categories: Oldenburg Vineyards
