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Olivedale Vineyards

Winery Description

Location and History

Olivedale Private Vineyards stand out with their collection of alternative, premium wines that reveal the wonders of nature. These wines offer a sensory journey that competes with the best global brands in taste, texture, aroma, and colour. At Olivedale, their focus is on respecting nature and the enigmas it presents, making their wines truly unique. They make natural wines with no added sulphur.

The story of Olivedale Wines is a testament to the vision and courage of Carl van Wijck and his Belgian partners. Their partnership, born from dreams and commercial realities, required unconventional thinking and bravery. Olivedale's distinct wines are a result of human guidance and nature's lead, not just natural wines but wines born from nature itself.

The name Olivedale, while it may suggest Mediterranean olives, actually refers to the indigenous Olievenhout or wild olive tree found around Swellendam. Nestled in a valley between the Langeberg Mountains, Bontebok National Park, and the Breede River, in the Buffeljagsrivier area, Olivedale benefits from a warm, temperate climate with Mediterranean influences. The vineyards (18 hectares), are located 45 km from the Indian Ocean and 50-60 meters above sea level, enjoy cooling sea breezes and a significant temperature difference between day and night during the grape ripening period. This unique terroir, with its diverse soils (18 different types) and extended ripening season, is the perfect environment for producing exceptional wines.

Wine Tasting

A revolutionary winemaker and strategist, Carl van Wijck brings decades of experience in natural winemaking to Olivedale Vineyards. His early success with natural Sauvignon Blanc in the Karoo inspired him to scale his vision, becoming the mastermind behind Olivedale's vineyard plantings and infrastructure.

As the chief winemaker, Abe Beukes brings a wealth of experience and numerous awards to Olivedale. He is renowned for identifying rare wine flavours that others may overlook. Beukes was drawn to Olivedale by the vineyard's passion for nature and scientific approach to winemaking.

The youngest winemaker at Olivedale, Jolene Calitz Le Roux, brings her solid experience crafting popular wines to the team. Her contribution is essential in ensuring that Olivedale offers a diverse range of wines for all tastes and seasons, making her a highly valued member of the winemaking team.

Olivedale has a wide range of wines available; River Secrets white and Mystique Mountain red are both blends. Other wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Carignan Rosé, Malbec, Touriga Nacional, Tempranillo, Shiraz and Roobernet, a red grape developed in South Africa in 1968 by Prof Chris Orffer, crossing Cabernet Sauvignon and Pontac.

Visitors to Olivedale are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy with their wine tasting.

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