Wildeberg is set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Franschhoek valley. The vineyards are surrounded by rolling hills, with the Franschhoek Mountains rising majestically as a backdrop. The landscape is dotted with indigenous fynbos and trees, adding to the natural beauty of the estate.
The 110 hectare farm was bought in 2016 and in 2019 they started to plant Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Petit Syrah. The farm’s old stable block has been converted into a super-contemporary winery and the old barrel hall houses their slow ferments.
The name Wildeberg is derived from the Afrikaans words “wilde” and “berg”, which translate to “wild” and “mountain” in English. The name is a nod to the rugged, untamed beauty of the Franschhoek Mountains, which form the background to the estate.
The founders of Wildeberg chose the name as a way to pay homage to the natural environment that surrounds their vineyards. The mountains and hills of the Franschhoek valley are renowned for their wild and rugged beauty, and the name Wildeberg captures this spirit perfectly.
In addition to its connection to the natural environment, the name Wildeberg also reflects the philosophy of the winery. The founders of Wildeberg believe in taking a hands-off approach to winemaking, allowing the unique character of the grapes and the terroir to shine through in the finished wines. This approach is in keeping with the wild and untamed spirit of the Franschhoek valley, and it is reflected in the exceptional quality of the wines produced by Wildeberg.
Wine tastings can be done in the Manor House or Damhuis, with a picturesque backdrop that is as beautiful as a postcard picture. Most of their wines are being exported and only 10% reserved for South Africa. So it’s really special to go and do a wine tasting at the farm as these wines you won’t find in the local liquor stores or supermarkets. Booking for tasting are by appointment due to the location, but it’s absolutely worth the drive. We visited Wildeberg twice and will definitely visit again to taste their new vintages.
One can also book for Winemaker’s dinners where five Wildeberg wines are paired with delectable food, perfectly curated to compliment the wine. Minimum of 8 people is required, it’s also ideal for birthdays, special events or even for an intimate year end function.
Wines Tasted
WILDEBERG ~ MÉTÉORIQUE CAP CLASSIQUE
Made from 100% Chardonnay from the farm. Whole-bunch pressed and then settled for 48 hours in Stainless Steel tanks. Hand-harvested and naturally fermented in old 600 litre oak barrels, matured in barrel for 4 months and 36 months on lees before disgorgement. A lively bouquet of citrus and brioche flavours on the nose. The mousse is elegant with a fine bubble. Fresh and lively, the palate is dry and balanced by a zesty acidity.
WILDHOUSE SAUVIGNON BLANC
100% Sauvignon Blanc made from Elgin fruit. Naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks and kept on the gross lees for 5 months. A vibrant cool climate style of Sauvignon with intense citrus and crushed nettle aromas. Ripe, concentrated fruit is offset by a grapefruit tang and leafy characters. Taut and mineral with a long, textural finish.
COTERIE CINSAULT ROSÉ 2022
Made in the crisp, dry style of Rosé, this wine is aromatic and refreshing. Grapes are from a block of organically-farmed, dry-grown bush-vine Cinsault grown on the Agter-Paarl. The colour comes the light press and spends no further time on skins. Aged in a mixture of new and older French oak for 18 months.
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020
A wave of rich tropical, leafy notes on the nose open to a broad palate of tight lime-leaf and a silky texture with a super-bright, naturally acidic finish. The fruit is from older vines that cling to the slopes of Simonsberg mountains in Stellenbosch. These dry grown vines grow thin and weedy on these steep slopes. The fruit is hand-picked, crushed then fermented at Wildeberg.
WILDEBERG TERROR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
We tasted Terroir Sauvignon Blanc 2022 whilst still in the tank. It’s 100% Sauvignon Blanc and comes from one of the highest blocks from the Banhoek valley in Stellenbosch. Hand-picked and naturally-fermented and kept on the lees for 10 months. This is to give the actual vineyard a voice to express itself. A wave of tropical notes and silky texture with a super-bright, naturally acid finish.
WILDEBERG TERROR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021
It’s 100% Sauvignon Blanc and comes from one of the highest blocks (older blocks) from the Banhoek valley in Stellenbosch. Natural ferment and kept on the lees between 8-10 months. More restraint with a saline character and is more of a terroir one than a fruity wine. This wine pairs beautifully with a Prawn Curry.
COTERIE SEMILLON & SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020
Coterie means a circle of friends with the same interests. The Semillon comes from Franschhoek and is barrel-fermented in 600 litre older barrels and aged for 10 months. Splash of the Terroir Sauvignon Blanc is added to give bright acidity. The palate has a rich, mouthfeel of lanolin and waxy lemons.
Interesting fact: The Wildberg White is a 100% Semillon and the blocks used for this wine was planted in 1905 which makes it the second oldest vines in Franschhoek. Wildeberg is also part of the old vine project.
TEA LEAF
The name is derived from Old Vine Vineyards planted at Piekenierskloof in 1977. Piekenierskloof is indigenous for rooibos tea. It hails from the uniqueness of the vineyards where the grapes grow in between the rooibos plants. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Crouchen Blanc and Grenache Gris. Year to year the blend can differ but will always be Chenin based. From Old Vine Project certified blocks, the Chenin is from Paarl planted in 1977. Crouchen (what is known as Cape Riesling) is from Franschhoek and the Grenache Gris is from either Piekenierskloof or Swartland. Naturally fermented for 9 months in 600 litre older French oak barrels. On the nose there are notes of ripe peach, salted butter and macadamia with a lightly honeyed finish on the palate. This wine pairs beautiful with Duck Liver Parfait topped with caramelised onion and fresh mango.
COTERIE CABERNET FRANC & MALBEC 2020
Hand-harvested, the Cabernet Franc comes from Franschhoek and Malbec is from Paarl. Fermented in tank partly whole bunch and partly whole berry. Slow fermentation takes place in the berry which helps gives finesse to the wine. Matured in new and older barrels for 20 months. A fresh and vibrant nose of red fruits and hints of blackcurrant that follows through onto the palate with a gentle spice and fine tannins. This wine pairs perfectly with a Ostrich Burger served with a quail egg and a touch of home-made herb mustard.
WANDERING BEESTE
Made from 100% Petit Syrah (also known as Durif) and grapes come from Swartland. 50% whole bunch and 50% whole berry and matured in older barrels for 20 months. The label was inspired by the first block of Shiraz used in the Swartland where Nguni cows were grazing in the vineyards eating the leaves. Nose of dark cherry and kirsch with bitter chocolate which follows beautiful onto the palate. Pairs well with Mushroom Risotto with Peppered Springbok fillet.
UNDERWORLD BLEND NO.3 2019
A Rhône blend of Grenache Noir, Carignan and Mourvèdre, dryland Swartland bushvines. The blend changes from year to year. The roots of these old bushvines needs to go into the underworld to get water. Vibrant spice with blackcurrant on the nose. Elegant tannins which is balanced by juicy red fruit and fresh acidity. Matured in older barrels for 20 months. Pairs well with Panacotta with sesame, pistachios and strawberries.
Manor House
Wildeberg Manor House is a beautiful self-catering home nestled between trees and vineyards. This fully air-conditioned home can accommodate up to 8 guests at a time and comprises 4 bedrooms and 4 ensuite bathrooms.
There is a large dining area where guests can enjoy their meals together. The lounge has comfortable seating, a fireplace as well as a TV and opens up onto a covered patio with another dining table and outdoor furniture. Guests can relax outside next to the swimming pool while having a braai.
The beauty and serenity of the Wildeberg estate is a major part of what makes it such a special place. The combination of natural beauty, rustic charm and exceptional wines make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Franschhoek valley.
Open Monday – Saturday from 10h00 – 15h00 (wine tastings are by appointment)
Bookings: henriette@wildeberg.co.za+27 (0)828954111
Share the love:
Categories: Wildeberg Wines
Swirl and Spice 