Situated in the quiet folds of Stellenbosch Kloof, Overgaauw Wine Estate welcomes you with wines that feel grounded, confident and true to its roots.
Overgaauw has shaped South African wine in many ways. The introduced the first Bordeaux blend with the release of Tria Corda in 1979. Soon after, they became the first estate to bottle a single varietal Merlot from the 1982 harvest, making a significant impact on the country’s wine industry. Their forward thinking spirit continued with the early use of small French oak barrels for maturing red wines and their ongoing dedication to Sylvaner, which they have produced exclusively since 1971. Their vineyards and influenced by both mountain and nearby ocean, which is a unique setting that gives their wines natural purity and depth. They combine this history with modern winemaking techniques, such as minimal intervention and skin contact for red wines, to create deep, elegant wines that respect the fruit’s richness.
Their story began in 1905 when Abraham Van Velden founded the farm and named the farm in honour of his gransmother, Elizabeth Overgaauw. Naming the farm was a way to honour his family’s legacy and connection to the property, which was originally part of a larger farm settled by his ancestors.
Sylvaner 2025
From a cultivar with origins from the Alsace area between Germany and France. It has a small yield and berries are typically small. We tasted their recently bottled and released 2025 vintage. It shows delicate spice together with dried peach and apricot notes that follows through onto the palate with a crisp lingering finish.
Sauvignon Blanc Estate Reserve 2024
This is like sunshine in a glass. Bright tropical flavours with hints of green apple. The fresh aromas follow through onto a well balanced, vibrant palate with a refreshing, crisp finish and a lingering after taste.
Merlot 2023
It’s a well-structured, medium-bodied wine with a rich combination of sumptuous black cherry fruit, hints of cocoa powder and elegant spicy oak notes. Part of the wine rests in concrete tanks for 7 months before moving to foudres for another 8 months. This is to uplift and give structure to the wine yet enjoyable with any occasion. Grapes from a nearby vineyard help broaden the footprint of Overgaauw Merlot, reinforcing its place in South Africa.
Merlot Estate Reserve 2023
A deeper, more intense expression shaped in second and third fill barrels and large 4000L foudres. Dark fruit and spice meet fine structure with an elegant, lasting finish.
Tria Corda 2020
A blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Expect black berries, violets, herbs with a palate that feels harmonious and full of flavour. The tannins are easing into their stride, already showing promise for graceful ageing. In 1979, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cinsaut blend named Tria Corda was launched. Then in 1982, a more classic approach was taken by replacing the Cinsaut with Cabernet Franc. These 3 classic Bordeaux varietals have remained the components ever since. Tria Corda is a Latin translation for 3 hearts and refers to these 3 varietals that form the heart of the Overgaauw Wine Estate’s unique terroir.
Overgaauw remains a family run wine estate, a small boutique farm guided by heritage, are and a deep respect for terroir. Their wines carry warmth, flavour and a sense of continuity that invites you to feel part of their story.
Contact Details:
Tel: +27 21 881 3815
Email: info@overgaauw.co.za
Overgaauw Wine Estate, Stellenboschkloof Road, Vlottenburg, Western Cape, South Africa
Categories: Overgaauw Wine Estate
