Awesome autumn at Diemersfontein

As April dawns upon us, we are thrilled that harvest is done and dusted, the wines are in the tanks, the sun is rising notably later in the morning and the days are blissfully cooler than they were a mere month ago.

We've got another jam-packed month ahead with International Malbec Day, Earth Day and Freedom Day delivering a multitude of reasons to raise a glass. And we'd love to have you join us here at Diemersfontein!

April holidays to celebrate with Diemersfontein

International Malbec Day

17 April marks the global celebration of Malbec, a varietal beloved for its velvety texture, rich flavours, and deep color. Originating from the Cahors region in France and having become ubiquitous with the wines of Argentina, Malbec has captivated wine lovers worldwide with its robust character and versatility.

At Diemersfontein, we take pride in harnessing this Bordeaux varietal for the creation of our exceptional Carpe Diem Malbec Reserve, made with meticulous care and capturing the unique terroir of Wellington in the bottle. Whether you're a seasoned Malbec aficionado or new to this varietal, seize the opportunity to savour the beauty of Malbec with a glass.

Earth Day

Earth Day, observed on 22 April, serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard and preserve the planet we call home - it's ultimately the only one we have... For us in the agriculture sector, we get to see first-hand what impact climate change has on our delicate ecosystems. This makes the urgency for bringing about a change in our behaviour prominent.

As stewards of the land, we recognise the profound impact of sustainable practices in nurturing our vineyards and ensuring the longevity of our ecosystem. At Diemersfontein, sustainability is not merely a commitment, but rather a way of life that is ingrained in our winemaking ethos. From implementing eco-friendly viticultural practices, investing in renewable energy for our cellar and facilities, an active recycling programme and responsible water management, we strive to tread lightly on the earth while producing wines of unparalleled quality and integrity.

Let's take a moment to cheers Mother Nature, and then remember to recycle the empty bottles of your favourite Diemersfontein and Thokozani wines!

Freedom Day

This month, South Africa will also be commemorating Freedom Day on 27 April. It is a day that holds profound significance in our nation's history. It marks the anniversary of the first democratic elections held in 1994, which ended decades of institutionalised segregation.

It also marks the start of the new era when our beautiful Rainbow Nation got to, for the first time since sanctions were imposed in 1963, engage in international trade. It was a new dawn for the entire country, in particular the South African wine industry, which enjoyed great success whilst filling the glasses and pleasing the palates of curious consumers the world over.

At Diemersfontein, we celebrate the freedom to pursue our passion for winemaking and the diversity that enriches our community and our wines. We are immensely proud to be part of the journey towards freedom and unity, and to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our nation.

As we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our valued patrons, for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Together, let us raise our glasses in a toast to freedom, diversity, and the enduring beauty of our planet.

Shop now for awesome autumn deals

We're celebrating the awesomeness of autumn at Diemersfontein by bringing you the chance to stock up on some wonderfully warming red wines before the winter comes.. Save 25% on the wines below.

Carpe Diem Malbec Reserve 2022

WAS R1560 per case
NOW ONLY R1248 per case

Diemersfontein Harlequin 2022

WAS R480 per case
NOW ONLY R384 per case

Click HERE to shop these specials now.

Inside the cellar for a harvest update from our winemakers

Harvest 2024 kicked off at the beginning of January and then concluded mid-March. The vintage started off wet and cold, with the promise of a full production of crops. Unfortunately, the weather then quickly shifted to heatwave conditions which then influenced fruit sets. There were many bunches on the vines, almost deceitful at first glance, but the smaller bunches and less berries per bunch ultimately became evident at the weighbridge. We’ve experienced an overall decrease of around 23% in volume compared to 2023 – something our fellow wine producers from the region also faced.

Other than that, everything went well. We were also privileged in having had no issues with diseases this year. The grapes, though fewer in tonnage, were superb in quality.

As for what’s currently going on in the cellar; the 2024 white wines are already showing beautifully. Our The Clockmaker Old Vine Chenin Blanc is in barrel, and we’ve been able to slightly increase the production from this 39-year-old block of bush vine. It’s already showing some inviting fruit components on the nose, whilst retaining a lively acidity on the palate for length.

We still have roughly a month to go before we will be able to properly gauge the red wines, as most of them still need to go through malo-lactic fermentation. Some of the varietals we harvested earlier, such as Pinotage and Shiraz, are already showing great quality. We are also quite excited to see what the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec will deliver later in April.

With the cellar team focusing on racking wines off the lees and getting wines into barrel, our vineyard team has shifted their sights from harvesting grapes to preparing for the olive harvest. Our olive orchards did brilliantly in 2024 and it seems like we might have a larger yield than we did in previous years. Though we’ve never really been distinguished as an olive producer, the growing demand for our Extra Virgin Olive Oil saw our stock completely depleted before the 2024 oil is ready – luckily, it’s a faster process than the wine and it should be available again soon.

So that’s it from us for harvest 2024… The more moderate Autumn days we’re currently enjoying is the perfect weather for lunchtime braais and al fresco dining, and a great opportunity to be sipping on some Chenin Blanc – by the way; the 2023 vintage of our Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc is drinking beautifully at the moment…

Thank you so much for following our journey throughout harvest 2024 and for your continued support. Cheers!

Celebrate and stay at Diemersfontein

If you weren't lucky enough to go away over the two recent long weekends, we've got the perfect way for you to get some much needed rest & relaxation...

With this month boasting three celebratory days in the form of Malbec Day, Earth Day and Freedom Day, we are giving you the chance to celebrate with us on the farm, and then stay the night!

Rooms are offered at a special rate of R1 020 for two guests sharing. This includes a complimentary wine tasting, a complimentary bottle of wine in your room and breakfast the following morning.

The complimentary bottle of wine that we're including with your stay is:

• Carpe Diem Malbec for stays between 15-21 April 2024
• The Original Pinotage for stays between 22-28 April 2024

For more information, or to secure your reservation, contact us on 021 864 5050 or hospitality@diemersfontein.co.za.

Upcoming event: Diemersfontein Country Market

Our first-ever Diemersfontein Country Market was held on 3 March and everyone had a great time, spending their Sunday morning with us on the farm.

The range of products on offer was amazing and it was such a pleasure to get to interact with the vendors and experience the passion they have for their craft.

The Diemersfontein Country Market is now a monthly institution, hosted on the first Sunday of every month!

At the market, you can expect plenty of stalls, great live music, kids entertainment, breakfast from HOPE Restaurant, and food vendors. Get your plans in place and join us for a Sunday morning in the winelands!

• Date: Sunday, 7 April 2024
• Time: 09h00 - 12h00
• Cost: Free entry