Eikendal Vineyards, with its distinctive barrel-vaulted cellar and towering fountain, is a landmark on the R44 road between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Situated in the “Golden Triangle” of wine growing, Eikendal vineyards flourish in a mountain and maritime microclimate, ideal for the production of quality wine. Since 1981, the 76 hectare wine farm has been under the ownership of the Saager family from Zürich, Switzerland. The Swiss owners recognised the great potential of the area and wasted no time in modernising the existing vineyards and establishing the cellar.
The Helderberg ward, on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain, produces some of the Cape’s finest wines. The cooling effect of the moisture laden sea breezes from nearby False Bay, combined with the excellent soil structure of Eikendal’s vineyards form ideal conditions for growing noble, classic grape varieties. The moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean results in cool afternoons and evenings that are ideal for producing quality grapes.
From day one it was clear to us the Eikendal’s magic lies in its terroir. All you have that is completely your own is your piece of land – you need to unlock the key to your land and if you are able to achieve that, it takes you to the next level.
Purposeful viticulture and winemaking gave focus to where we want to position our range of wines as a brand, and it became very clear to us that we are able to create something special at Eikendal – what excites us is that we are still not at the peak and that the sky is the limit… great things lie ahead for Eikendal.
Eikendal blends modern viticulture with Old World winemaking. The focus in the vineyard is to create maximum fruit and structure in the grape berry with as much concentration as possible – in the cellar it’s all about preserving those flavour we worked so hard for and ensuring we maintain freshness, elegance and finesse. With that focus we have that modern yet old world touch which appeals to palates worldwide. It also shows in our achievements in the sense that it is worldwide and not just focused in one place.
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Aldert, an experienced and innovative winemaker returned to his roots in the Stellenbosch region as he started heading up the Eikendal winemaking team in 2022. He spent the past few winemaking seasons at Bushmanspad between Bonnievale and Swellendam.
Aldert was born and bred in Somerset West, after which he completed his schooling and studies in Stellenbosch.
Aldert earned his spurs in the wine industry, among others, working at Montagu Cellar and Haskell vineyards (alongside Rianie Strydom). “I completed my school career at Paul Roos Gymnasium after which I continued my studies at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Oenology and Viticulture” says Nieuwoudt.
We work as hard as possible in the vineyard to work less in the cellar to really preserve the fruit in the wine. Winemaker Aldert Nieuwoudt says: “We try our best to hero our grapes, vineyards and the efforts of the Eikendal family by producing wines of the highest quality by working together with our unique terroir. ”
At Eikendal we take this approach in the vineyard, using chemicals only when necessary. We are fortunate to have a passionate vineyard ‘family’ that have been on the estate for generations and are all exceptionally skilled staff.
We have planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz, and Chardonnay on the farm which gives us a good combination of Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundian varietals with our oldest vines planted in 1987.
Eikendal Vineyards has a rich history, beginning in 1909 when the Swiss Saager Family ventured to Africa, initially in Dutch East India on Sumatra Island. After various challenges in coffee and wheat farming in different regions, the family redirected their interests to the Cape region’s wine industry in 1980. They acquired two farms, Longridge and Mietjiesvlei, in the Helderberg area, launching a comprehensive replanting program. In 1981, these farms were merged into Eikendal Vineyards (PTY) Ltd, complete with modern facilities. The family’s dedication to Eikendal Vineyards continued after Bruno M. Saager’s passing in 1991.
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