Overview: Spiritual home
There are places in the world that call you back – places that become more than a destination, but part of your soul. For me, Rondekop at Oldenburg Vineyards is that place: my spiritual home. Arriving after a few months abroad, I am struck by a hard-to-describe but persistent, deep calmness that comes as I settle into farm life. Nestled in the heart of the Banghoek Valley and surrounded by a spectacular mountain amphitheatre, Oldenburg's beauty is not just visual; it's visceral, a feeling that settles deep within and never truly leaves.
My connection with Oldenburg has been woven through the years, and each return is a homecoming for me. While the natural beauty of Rondekop and its immediate mountainous surroundings is awe-inspiring, the slow and steady development of the farm as a whole adds further depth and dimension to my strong attachment.
The farm's development is not just the physical changes through time but perhaps equally or even more importantly, the development of our understanding of this Place and the improved ability to understand and successfully translate each harvest into wines that clearly define our terroir and the dynamic conditions that pass over it each season.
As I said in last month's note, it was a Goldilocks season, potentially one of the best harvests in a quarter of a century – time will tell. The biggest challenge of damaging winds required much sorting on the vine and in the cellar. Nic is confident this has been done well, and what is now heading to barrel has captured the many positives of the season. Faced with an arid summer, Christo ran the gauntlet with the vineyards and trusted his experience that our soils would hold moisture, although the vines had to go deep to find it. Immediately after each block was harvested, he turned on the irrigation, allowing the gasping vines their first drink in months.
April is the post-harvest month, which means many things are happening, contrary to popular belief. It is essential that the vineyards receive water, and thankfully, we received some soaking rains, which broke the drought. Our irrigation systems are also turned on to assist the vines with pre-winter root development. The vines have a few weeks while their leaves still function to build energy and ready themselves for dormancy, and then the following season. We also test each vine to ensure we can manage disease prevention and nutrient deficiencies. Testing each vine allows early detection of the many issues that can impact it. It will enable immediate interventions – from cover crop adjustments to vine removal in the worst case of leaf roll virus contamination. Healthy soil, vines, and vineyards are imperative to successful sustainability.
While I regard Oldenburg as my spiritual home, I also realise that this Place is not just about the land and the vines. It is also about people. Nic, Christo, and every team member share a deep connection with this valley and our Place. For them, too, Oldenburg is a spiritual home - a place where their passion and dedication shape not only the wines but the spirit of this special Place. I firmly believe their pride and commitment are evident in every harvest, every bottle, and every guest experience.
I have heard it said many times by many different people – "Africa gets under your skin" – and I think this is true. However, know this: there is something even more special about this valley and this Place, and for many, I know once you have visited, you, too, will share the secret of this spiritual Place.
Reflecting on my journey with Oldenburg, I am reminded that a spiritual home is not chosen; it is found or perhaps chooses you. It is a place that welcomes you back, time and again, with open arms and a promise of something truly special.
We invite you to discover your own connection to Oldenburg – whether through our wines, our landscape, or the team that calls this valley home. Let this Place get under your skin, as it has for all of us.
Review: Syrah 2019
Now entering its prime, the 2019 Syrah has evolved beautifully in bottle, revealing a layered and expressive character.
The once-vivid red fruit core has matured into a more complex aromatic profile, opening with black peppercorn, crushed radishes, and that unmistakable scent of rain-soaked earth.
There’s a savoury depth here, with dried cassis, hints of raisined blackberries, and a delicate hint of dried violets. Subtle herbal nuances, oregano and bay leaf, lift the nose and carry through to the palate.
For more information, contact private client manager Delaille Raubenheimer.
Point of view: Post-harvest
Looking out over the vineyards from The Tasting Room, one notices a shift in rhythm. The pace has slowed after the intensity of harvest. The light is softer, and the vines have quietly transitioned from green to gold. Viticulturist Christo Crous explains what happens after the last grape is picked.
The post-harvest season allows the vines to recharge. If necessary, a carefully timed application of fertiliser helps them restore their reserves before entering dormancy. “The vine uses lots of energy and nutrients to produce fruit," Christo notes. "After harvest, they need to recover by storing carbohydrates and encouraging root growth - preparing them for the next season."
Irrigation and fertilisation are tailored to the vines' age, vigour, and stress levels during the growing season.
Maintaining healthy leaves is equally important. They support photosynthesis and help convert sunlight into energy, contributing to the vine's recovery and future growth. Healthy leaves also regulate water, protect the bunches, and facilitate gas exchange, making it essential to keep them disease-free, particularly from viral infections.
One of the most persistent threats is the leafroll virus, which is spread by mealybugs. Autumn is the best time to identify and test for infection. Red varieties show visual signs of leafroll: a downward curl of the leaves, reddening between the veins, and a telltale green vein contrast. White varieties, however, exhibit no obvious symptoms, which is why lab testing is essential.
Oldenburg Vineyards is one of only two wine farms in South Africa with an on-site laboratory. Over two months, each vine undergoes ELISA testing, a detailed process supervised by a plant virologist. Infected vines are removed, thus eliminating the source of infection and helping to protect neighbouring vines.
When asked about this year’s results, Christo smiled and replied, "Infection rates were minimal, so we must be doing something right."
This success can be attributed to a broader regenerative farming approach. In addition to laboratory testing, the team has introduced beneficial insects and planted fynbos corridors to attract natural predators of mealybugs.
These combined efforts reflect a long-term mindset. "It's like human health," Christo explains. "A strong immune system is the aim! Healthy vines, supported by healthy soils and an active ecosystem, are naturally more resilient."
As we move into the next season, it’s clear that our commitment to working with nature is not only fascinating but integral to our mission of crafting wines that truly reflect their place - at its best.
Bird's eye view: Library and vertical tastings for May 2025
Library Tasting: A curated journey
Experience a selection of wines from our Library Collection, presented blind. This sensory experience invites you to fully engage with each wine’s character, revealing its unique expression with every sip.
Cost: R600 per person
Vertical Tasting: Rondekop Rhodium 2012, 2013 (Magnum), 2017 and 2021
Step into an exclusive tasting featuring Rhodium, our flagship Bordeaux blend. Named for the precious metal, Rhodium embodies finesse and elegance, serving as a defining expression of Merlot and Cabernet Franc in South Africa. Taste the 2012, 2013 Magnum (1.5L), 2017, and 2021 vintages to experience the evolution of this iconic Rondekop blend over 13 years.
Cost: R850 per person
All Library and Vertical tastings are strictly by appointment only. Tastings include our complimentary snack platter of olives, cheese, and olive oil crackers.
Book your visit to Oldenburg via thetastingroom@oldenburgvineyards.com or call 021 8851618.