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AA Badenhorst Family Wines

Winery Description

Location and History

The property is owned by cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst. Their grandfather was the farm manager of Groot Constantia for 46 years, and their fathers, born there, farmed together in Constantia. Together, the cousins have restored and revitalised a long-neglected cellar on the farm, last operational in the 1930s, where they now produce natural wines using traditional methods and practice biological farming.
On Kalmoesfontein, the approach is back to basics, using traditional winemaking equipment and old cement kuipe. The vineyards cover 180 hectares, primarily composed of old bushvines planted in the 1950’s and 1960’s including Chenin Blanc, Cinsault  and Grenache. The vines are unirrigated and farmed as biologically as possible, planted on north, east, and south facing slopes, which adds a significant variety to the fruit. Fruit from other selected sites within the appellation is also sourced to complete the final blends.

The soil on the farm comprises three distinct types of granite—Paardeberg, Lammershoek, and Lemoenfontein, plus different sub-surface geology including clay, weathered granite and shale. The wine making process is careful and traditional; all fruit, red and white, is whole bunch-handles so no crushing or de-stemming takes place. Whites go directly into old casks or concrete tanks for fermentation and ageing, while the red grapes are fermented in concrete tanks and open wooden kuipe with extended post-fermentation maceration of up to four months, before being transferred to cask or 4000L foundries. No additions are done to the grapes other than sulfur before and after fermentation.

Wine Tasting

The inspiration for their winemaking comes from the great old wines of South Africa and the neglected varietals found in the forgotten corners of old cellars before modern methods altered the purity of the wines. Two wines are made and bottled under the AA Badenhorst Family range, the Kalmoesfontein White Blend (Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Gris, Verdehlo, Colombar, Viognier, Chardonnay, Semillon and 3 others) and Kalmoesfontein Red Blend (Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault). Additionally, four wines are released under their second tier, Secateurs, and a very rare and special Single Vineyard Range is also available, which features wines only from exceptional vintages. Since 2019 they have also made Riviera – a skin macerated/carbonic maceration white (Chenin Blanc 75% and Grenache blanc 25%).AA Badenhorst also produces Caperitif, by infusing Chenin Blanc with the flavours and aromas of 35 natural botanicals. Wine tasting takes place by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays followed by lunch. Please book via their website.

“We make wines with immense character. We’re using what we can afford. We are making the best wines we can. And we are having great experiences. I want to make something, involving interaction from my family.”

Restaurant

The kitchen at the Old House has a well stocked farm shop offering a variety of products. Guests staying on the farm have the option to book ready-made meals or braai packs. Thursday night feature pizza nights, while most first Fridays of the month are dedicated to hosting Pizza and a Show pop-up events. Lunch at the Kalmoesfontein Kitchen requires an online reservation. For the latest opening hours, please refer to their website.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the farm offers an authentic farm retreat, where you can explore vineyards, swim in the dam and watch the most spectacular sunsets and views. There are various cottages to choose from, ranging from one bedroom, one bathroom to two- and three bedroom and bathroom options, all converted from original farm buildings such as the original dairy, the grain silo and The Koringhuis which is a restored building dating back to the late 1700’s.

It is also possible to arrange the set up of Glampsites when you want to bring a large group or host a multi day event.

Tours and Activities

Farm attractions include cellar tours and tastings (booked in advance - and not during harvest!), hiking, biking trails (own bikes), farm dams to swim & fish (catch & release), and play areas with a zip-line and swings. Kalmoesfontein is also an animal farm where you can take your children to explore using a treasure map to see how many of the furry and feathered friends they can find.

Kalmoesfontein is the perfect venue for special events such as birthdays, bachelor parties and family reunions, all including decor, activities, menus and music. The venue on the farm is suitable for functions as well as weddings. The variety of accommodation is perfect for wedding parties, with the option of setting up a clamping campsite outside the cellar for added place to sleep.