Waterkloof - A Leader in South African Wine

Location

Waterkloof is a jewel in the realm of South African wineries, located in the cool region of Stellenbosch on the southern slopes of Schapenberg. Its modern farm building, which encompasses restaurants, offices, and a winery, boasts elevated views at approximately 300m above sea level, overlooking False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean just four kilometers away. This advantageous elevation, in proximity to the cooling Atlantic, fosters a unique microclimate, providing excellent viticulture conditions. Of its 100 hectares, Waterkloof has cultivated 53 hectares, while the remainder is devoted to preserving indigenous Fynbos vegetation. In 2008, Waterkloof was awarded the Champion Status by the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative of the World Wildlife Fund.

History

The journey of Waterkloof as a vineyard began in the early 1970s when grapevines were first established. However, it was not until 2003 that the modern phase of winemaking commenced when the Englishman Paul Boutinot took ownership. With a keen eye for locations with potential, Boutinot initiated extensive plantings and adopted innovative viticultural techniques. The inaugural Waterkloof wines were released from the 2005 vintage.

Under Boutinot’s stewardship, Waterkloof transitioned into a full organic and biodynamic winery in 2008, utilizing natural fertilizers and biodynamic preparations to enhance soil and vine health. Today, Waterkloof is lauded for its sustainable agricultural practices and premium wines.

In 2009, Waterkloof unveiled a state-of-the-art winery alongside a tasting room and restaurant, offering visitors a stunning venue to enjoy Waterkloof wines.

Unique Features

Renowned for its sustainable and biodynamic approaches, Waterkloof practices integrity in viticulture by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, they focus on natural methods for soil enhancement and pest management, utilizing horses for vineyard work and creating their own compost for vine fertilization.

• Advantages of Compost Over Synthetic Fertilizers:
  • Compost gradually releases essential nutrients over time, promoting healthy plant growth.
  • It enhances soil structure, boosts water retention, and supports root development.
  • Compost is teeming with beneficial microorganisms that bolster soil vitality.
  • Synthetic fertilizers often lead to waterway pollution through leaching, while organic options reduce that risk.
  • Organic practices contribute to soil carbon sequestration, addressing climate change.
  • Animal waste utilization creates sustainable cycles in agricultural systems.
  • Waterkloof’s biodynamic methods employ special preparations to bolster plant vitality and soil health.

These sustainable practices showcase how animal waste can significantly improve soil health and stimulate vigorous vine growth.

Wines

All the efforts would fail if the resulting wine lacked quality. Fortunately, Nadja has expertly guided the cellar's operations for over a decade. Her wines are celebrated for their distinctive quality and terroir expression. The selection features various varietals like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, vinified with minimal intervention to maintain their natural flavors.

The Restaurant

After Waterkloof's restaurant closed its doors during the pandemic in 2020, it remained dormant until 2022, when Bertus Basson revitalized the space as the Chorus Restaurant. A name revered in South African gastronomy, Bertus was awarded the Eat Out San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Chef of the Year title in 2019.

The Chorus brought life back to Waterkloof, establishing it as a celebrated fine-dining destination. Boasting a contemporary, glass-walled dining space with picturesque views of the estate, the restaurant offers a hyper-seasonal menu designed to complement Waterkloof wines, featuring dishes made from the finest local ingredients.

A signature dessert is a milk, bread, and honey soufflé, showcasing the culinary artistry of the restaurant. The "Chorus" quickly ascended the rankings, finding its place on the list of the top 20 restaurants in the Winelands.