10 reasons to love La Petite Ferme's wines
Of course, it takes just one sip to fall in love with La Petite Ferme’s handcrafted, small-batch wines. But here are 10 extra details that will confirm what you probably already know…
1. Perfect for wine lovers
Our estate wines, including the highly anticipated Baboon Rock label, are a testament to our passion for winemaking. At the heart of our winemaking lies a profound belief that every bottle tells a unique story. Each vintage, each varietal, is a chapter in the ongoing narrative of our land, our vines, and the delicate interplay of nature’s elements. We are co-creators with nature, not mere manipulators of the winemaking process. This partnership requires sensitivity and care at every stage, from the vineyard to the cellar. Our approach is one of gentle stewardship, allowing the grapes to express their true character and potential without imposing a predetermined outcome.
2. Prime Franschhoek location
Situated in the heart of South Africa’s gourmet capital, La Petite Ferme is a gateway to world-class wine and culinary experiences.
3. Diverse terroir
The diversity of our soils is at the heart of what makes our wines exceptional. Nestled on the slopes of Franschhoek’s mountains, our vineyards benefit from a unique combination of soil types, including granite, shale, and sandstone. These varied soils contribute to the complexity and distinct character of our wines, allowing each vintage to capture the essence of our terroir and the artistry of our winemaking team.
4. We love our baboons
Embracing the baboons’ presence as a unique aspect of our winemaking, we’ve chosen respect over resentment. For every bottle of Baboon Rock wine sold, a percentage goes to Baboon Matters, a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting these creatures, who were here long before our vineyards.
5. We have a rock-star winemaker
Wikus Pretorius has turned his passion for good times into a remarkable career in crafting extraordinary wines. From humble beginnings in Stellenbosch, pouring wine at Muratie Wine Estate to earn "partying pocket money", his curiosity led him to harvests across the globe – from Corsica to California and Australia – shaping his expertise. Returning to South Africa in 2005, he embraced new challenges, including establishing a winery in Namibia, where he survived a near-fatal helicopter crash. Since 2015, Wikus has brought his international experience to La Petite Ferme, blending authenticity, humour and innovation to create wines that honour the estate’s heritage while embracing its future.
6. Small-batch wine quantities
At La Petite Ferme, our commitment to crafting small-batch wines ensures each bottle receives the utmost care and attention. With red wine vintages often limited to fewer than 900 bottles, our boutique wines offer an exclusive and truly unique expression of Franschhoek’s exceptional terroir.
7. What’s the verdict?
As you wander the estate, you find yourself surrounded by reminders of the past, like the iconic Verdict wine, which pays tribute to the Honourable Chief Justice JR Dendy-Young, a member of La Petite Ferme’s founding family, who was acknowledged for his integrity and for making brave legal decisions against all odds. Come each harvest, JR Dendy-Young would ask, “So, what is the verdict?” With each sip of this Bordeaux blend, you are transported back to a time when tradition and excellence were paramount – standards that continue to set the bar at La Petite Ferme today.
8. Commitment to craftsmanship
From our vineyard to your table, every element at La Petite Ferme reflects our dedication to craft, quality and passion.
9. Bespoke wine club
La Petite Ferme Wine Club is the perfect inner circle where you get to know the unique personalities behind each wine in the La Petite Ferme range. Here your voice is heard, and offerings are curated according to your discerning taste. By joining the club, you unlock the opportunity to spend time with our winemaker, Wikus Pretorius. You’re also personally invited to La Petite Ferme’s exclusive events and topical evenings, and you gain access to back vintages. When our quarterly wine cases are released, you will be the first to know.
10. Unique wine-tasting experience
The La Petite Ferme wine-tasting experience on our renowned tasting deck is a draw card for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of the region’s finest offerings. The carefully curated selection includes red, white and rosé wines, each embodying the essence of our Franschhoek terroir. Tastings can be booked daily at 12h00, 13h30 and 15h15.
Discover the heart of the Franschhoek Valley at La Petite Ferme, where exceptional wines, award-winning cuisine and warm hospitality come together. Reach out to us today to book a guided wine tasting – visit our contact page to connect with us and start planning your experience at La Petite Ferme.