Swartland, literally translated, means Blackland . When settlers first arrived in the Cape in the 1650's, they discovered, north of Table Bay , vast plains covered in thick, black bush. They discovered that this acted as the natural nutritional staple for the diet of the wild Rhinoceroses which roamed these plains. They named it the Swart Renoster Bos ( the Black Rhinoceros Bush ) and the land it covered the Swartland .

At The Winery, they have been analyzing and experimenting in various sites around the Cape , across an array of cool climate areas, high altitude locations and warmer though coastal spots, using numerous grape varieties, styles and techniques. The most exciting results that they have unearthed are from the totally unassuming though inspiring Perdeberg Mountain , in the Swartland. We agree with The Winery that this West Coast site is the best kept viticultural secret in South Africa .

In year one, they selected 10 specific vineyards, 6 for the Black Rock white blend, 4 for the red. Many of these are bush vines and mostly dryland (i.e, no irrigation). The yields, consequently, are very limited – in 2004, the whites averaged about 25 hl / hectare (by comparison, Grand Cru Burgundy can produce up to 40 hl / ha), while the reds averaged 32.5 hl / ha. They have identified a further 6 parcels to grow-into in the coming years, convinced that these wines will be a great success.

Choose a wine to the right.