Wineries:
Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, located in the southern Orange River Valley and right on the northern edge of South Africa's Swartland region, lies the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, which is a perfect natural environment for successful viticulture. At an altitude of 750 m above sea level, the climate here is characterized by hot days with cool night temperatures. This allows the Piekenierskloof grapes to ripen slowly and develop and reflect incredibly complex flavors and aromas.
The grapes from un-irrigated and own-rooted dryland vines from the 1950s are still used today for the production of the Piekenierskloof wine lines. Many of these vines qualify for the Old Vine Seal, which designates wine from vines that are at least 35 years old.
Many independent wine producers, including several of the young wild top winemakers, have long since recognized that true vine treasures lie in the Piekenierskloof district. Favored by the location and climatic conditions, some of the best South African vine parcels of Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, etc. can be found here. The Wine of Origin Piekenierskloof note is found on the label of many top wines of these grape varieties. Sometimes even on the front label.
Proof that north of the Swartland in Citrusdal, right next to and also including Cederberg, there are undeniably locations for vines for the vinification of world-class wines. As already mentioned several times: The journey of discovery and further development of South African vineyards and the resulting wines continues... The potential still seems inexhaustible.
The name Piekenierskloof commemorates the Dutch "Piekeniers" (soldiers) who, in their search for new beginnings, were once known as peaceful protectors of the wide Piekenierskloof Pass and made it their new home, and they adorn some labels of the wines of the Piekenierskloof Wine Company.
