Waterkloof – Biodynamic Viticulture and Chenin Blanc on the Schapenberg in Stellenbosch

Estate of Paul Boutinot on granite soils above False Bay, with Chenin Blanc as its most planted variety

Biodynamic viticulture shapes Waterkloof on the Schapenberg in Stellenbosch. The estate of Paul Boutinot, bought in 2004 after a ten-year search, has been Demeter-certified since 2015. The team works with horses and compost. The vines grow on granite soils above False Bay, with Chenin Blanc as its most planted variety according to Tim Atkin.

Buy Waterkloof wine here, from Circle of Life and Circumstance to Chenin Blanc. Shipping within Germany is free from 18 bottles.

Learn more about Waterkloof

Waterkloof

Ten years of searching, a spring and a ravine: how Waterkloof began

The Briton Paul Boutinot searched the world for ten years for the right vineyard before choosing the Schapenberg [1]. In 2004, he bought the 120-hectare estate above Somerset West [1]. Only 20 hectares were planted at the time and farmed conventionally [1]. The estate takes its name from a natural spring and the ravine that runs through the land [1]. Early cartographers of the Dutch East India Company carved crosses into the granite rocks to mark survey points [1].

Horses instead of tractors: biodynamics on the Schapenberg

Farm manager Christiaan Loots has run the biodynamic programme for about ten years [1]. In 2015, the estate received Demeter certification [2]. Fertiliser comes only from farm-made compost and compost tea, and no synthetic fertiliser is used [1]. Horses plough, mow and spread compost, and tractors run only when the wind is too strong [1]. According to a contribution on JancisRobinson.com, the vines grow without irrigation, and only young plantings on 6 to 8 hectares receive water [3]. Cellar master Nadia Barnard says of the biodynamic grapes: "the quality of the grapes coming out is incomparable" [2].

Wind, granite and Chenin: site and vines

The vineyards lie on south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg, about 315 metres above sea level and roughly 5 kilometres from False Bay [1]. The soils are granitic and well drained [1]. Cool, near-constant winds from the bay extend the growing season and preserve acidity [1]. Chenin Blanc is the estate's most planted variety, according to Tim Atkin [5]. His Chenin Blanc 2022 from the Pofadder block, WO Stellenbosch, received 93 points [5]. The Boreas 2023, a red led by Cabernet Franc, and the Syrah 2023, fermented with whole bunches, also received 93 points [5]. The Circle of Life White 2013 was a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay [2].

A glass house above False Bay: visiting Waterkloof

The glass-and-concrete building stands on the slope, is about 15 metres high and was designed by the Australian architect Mitch Hayhow [4]. The tasting room sits in the glass house within the restaurant, with views of False Bay [4]. The gravity cellar is visible inside the building [4]. The restaurant serves French cuisine with a South African influence [4]. Chenin Blanc suits seafood pasta, risotto and goat's cheese salad.

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

2003

Address:

Old Sir Lowry's Pass Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130

Geo data address:

-34.09862666723669, 18.88949632698686

Acreage:

90 ha

Our recommendation:

Circle of Life White

Why you should visit:

The spectacular "Cellar in the Sky", crafted from glass and exposed concrete, is an architectural landmark of the Cape Winelands, offering breathtaking views across False Bay and into the estate's working gravity-flow cellar
Enjoy wine tastings in the elegant Chorus Tasting Lounge, where six carefully curated tasting flights showcase Waterkloof's regenerative farming philosophy
CHORUS Restaurant presents a seasonal five-course fine dining menu celebrating exceptional local ingredients alongside Waterkloof's acclaimed wines
The combination of award-winning wines, striking architecture and regenerative viticulture makes Waterkloof one of South Africa's most distinctive wine destinations

Phone:

+27 (0)21 858 1292

Vineyard website:

https://waterkloofwines.co.za/

Frequently asked questions about Waterkloof

Where is Waterkloof?

Waterkloof lies on the Schapenberg above Somerset West, about 5 kilometres from False Bay. The vineyards are around 315 metres above sea level [1].

Who owns Waterkloof, and since when?

The estate belongs to the Briton Paul Boutinot, who bought it in 2004 after a ten-year search [1].

Is Waterkloof certified biodynamic?

Yes, the estate received Demeter certification in 2015 [2]. Farm manager Christiaan Loots has run the biodynamic programme for about ten years [1].

How big is Waterkloof, and which grape varieties grow there?

The estate covers 120 hectares, with 56 hectares of vines in 2015 and 65 hectares in 2016 [1][2]. Chenin Blanc is the most planted variety [5].

What soils does Waterkloof have?

The soils are granitic and well drained [1]. According to a contribution on JancisRobinson.com, the vines grow without irrigation, and only young plantings are watered [3].

What is Circle of Life?

Circle of Life is a blend from the estate. The white Circle of Life 2013 was a mix of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay [2].

Who makes the wines?

Nadia Barnard is cellar master and head winemaker [2][3]. Tim Atkin calls her "a bit of a Syrah nut" [5].

Can I visit Waterkloof?

Yes, there is a tasting room in the glass house and a restaurant [4]. Current opening times are on waterkloofwines.co.za.

Can I buy Waterkloof wine online?

Yes, you can buy Waterkloof wine from us, including Circle of Life, Circumstance and Chenin Blanc. Shipping within Germany is free from 18 bottles.