Overview: Unfiltered
Although it is winter, and mornings are now crisp, if not wet, I still like to take a moment to pause, step out onto the grass, and feel the earth directly beneath my feet.
This simple practice, grounding (also known as earthing), is more than just a wellness technique. Although it may sound a little “woo-woo”, there is a body of evidence supporting its physiological and psychological benefits. It's a return to our roots, an act of mindfulness that deepens our connection to the land.
Everything we do begins with the soil. Our Rondekop Philosophy has always emphasised respect for our environment, knowing that the character of our wines is a direct reflection of the health of our land.
Over the years, we have shared stories of Rondekop's evolving landscape, which include adopting regenerative principles, planting diverse cover crops, and welcoming animals back to graze among the vines. These aren't just agricultural techniques; rather, commitments to building a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. As Nic and Christo often say, "You can feel the difference the moment you dig your hands into the earth." The soil is soft, friable, and so full of life it almost seems to breathe. Once compacted and heavy from years of conventional practices, it now yields gently to the hand, rich in organic matter and teeming with earthworms, microbes, and mycorrhizal fungi.
This transformation hasn't happened by accident. It's the result of listening, observing, and learning from Nature herself — a recurring theme you'll recognise from previous Oldenburg Vineyards Views. When we talk about "working in harmony with Nature," we mean engaging in a conversation with our land, constantly adjusting to what it needs.
All this careful stewardship leads to something tangible, something you can taste. Healthier soils nourish healthier vines, and healthier vines bear more expressive fruit. We don't chase uniformity or excessive polish; we embrace complexity and difference, the subtle hallmarks of Rondekop's unique terroir.
This philosophy extends to how we finish each bottle. With soil and vine in such remarkable balance, minimal intervention best honours the journey from earth to grape to glass. That's why, after extended conversations and extensive tastings, we bottle our wines unfiltered. It might seem counterintuitive in a world obsessed with crystal clarity, but filtration can strip away some of the delicate aromas and mouthfeel that make our wines so unmistakably Oldenburg. By bottling unfiltered, we preserve more of Rondekop's essence, allowing even the slightest nuance to shine through.
You may notice this in the texture, a subtle richness in every sip, or greater aromatic depth. In some vintages, the wine may appear a touch hazier, but this is the mark of authenticity, the visible link back to our soils. It's a choice to translate Nature with honesty, not just ambition.
In this month's accompanying video, Nic explains in more detail our commitment to bottling unfiltered wines.
As the July rains replenish the soil and its reserves, and the air grows brisk, we invite you to join us in this ongoing journey. Every bottle from Oldenburg is an invitation to reconnect to nature, and the honest, unfiltered pleasures of wine grown and made with care.
Review: Rondekop Per Se 2022
Rondekop Per Se represents a single vineyard block and varietal. Its name, Latin for “in itself,” speaks to a wine that stands on its own.
Produced from the highest and oldest Cabernet Sauvignon block on Rondekop, the 2022 vintage commands attention from the very first pour.
The nose reveals blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, and subtle pencil shavings. On the palate, structured yet juicy layers unfold, complemented by savoury hints of rosemary and black olive tapenade. Fine, firm tannins promise graceful ageing.
Powerful yet elegant, this is a wine that rewards patience but already hints at greatness.
A limited pre-release allocation is reserved exclusively for Rondekop Wine Club Members, ahead of the official October 2025 release.
For more information, contact Private Client Manager Delaille Raubenheimer.
Bird's eye view: Library and vertical tastings in August
Library tasting: Rhone
Experience the evolution of two Rhône-inspired varietals through the lens of Banghoek’s exceptional terroir. Grown at elevation, our Grenache and Syrah express purity, finesse and striking individuality across vintages.
Cost: R650 per person
Vertical tasting: Oldenburg Vineyards Merlot
Grown in the cool, high-altitude Banghoek Valley, our Merlot reflects the elegance and purity of this unique corner of Stellenbosch. From the savoury depth of aged vintages to the vibrant energy of young releases, each wine tells a story. A rare opportunity to taste the evolution of a single varietal across multiple years, namely the 2019, 2016, 2014 and 2013.
Cost: R550 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.