Those currently in the Western Cape will by now have noticed that a hot and dry summer is underway. Yet, driving around the vineyards, one is greeted by a prodigious number of grape bunches hanging on the vine, bunches heading towards the harvest season of 2026. It is dry and warm, but these hardy vines, planted in our calcareous soils, appear to be thriving, ostentatiously showing off bunches of tightly packed berries.
Due to the prevailing conditions, the harvest looks set to begin a week or two earlier than last year, meaning that the first grapes will be hitting the bins in mid-January. Although, as nature has shown so many times, it is unpredictable and, climate-wise, anything can still happen. But as of mid-December, we are approaching a vintage in which excellent quality can be expected. The dry weather has kept vineyard diseases at bay, and the bright Robertson sunshine is ensuring that the all-important sugar levels are developing to terroir-expressing richness and flavour. Cool breezes in the afternoon keep acid levels brisk for that desired freshness every winemaker seeks, and while the world is on holiday, the vines and nature are working in tandem to prepare De Wetshof for next year’s harvest.
Top 50 Wine Producers
De Wetshof Estate reached a milestone in its history this year by being named one of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) Top 50 Wine Producers in the world – a truly remarkable achievement. Announced at the IWSC awards ceremony in London on 12 November, the new Top 50 ranking recognises sustained excellence over a three-year period rather than single standout performances.
The IWSC evaluated results from 2268 producers across 50 countries, making De Wetshof’s inclusion particularly significant. It is also one of only a small number of Southern Hemisphere producers to feature on the list.
For De Wetshof, the recognition reflects a philosophy that has been shaped over decades rather than a sudden moment of success. CEO Johann de Wet describes the award as validation of the estate’s commitment to terroir-driven, site-specific Chardonnay – a focus that has defined the farm over three generations. Rather than prioritising short-term trends, De Wetshof built its reputation on careful vineyard selection, clonal matching and a deep understanding of Robertson’s unique limestone-rich soils.
Long before South Africa’s re-entry into the global wine market, De Wetshof had already established itself as a pioneer of Chardonnay in the country. Its early Burgundian partnerships, combined with its emphasis on soil expression and precision viticulture, helped shape both the estate’s identity and the broader reputation of Robertson as a world-class Chardonnay region. Today, the estate’s wines range from the taut, mineral-driven The Site to the powerful and age-worthy Bateleur, each expressing a distinct vineyard personality.
The IWSC remains one of the most respected judging platforms in the global wine industry, known for blind tastings, conservative scoring and an emphasis on consistency. While a single gold medal is considered a major achievement, maintaining top scores across multiple years places a producer in rare company. The new Top 50 system was designed specifically to reward sustained quality rather than marketing strength, and De Wetshof’s inclusion highlights its ability to deliver excellence across vineyards, styles and vintages.
Beyond being an individual success, the award carries wider significance for South African wine. As the country enters what many describe as a new Golden Age, De Wetshof’s global recognition reinforces South Africa’s position as a serious contender on the world stage. Johann de Wet says the honour reflects pride in the estate’s heritage and team, but above all serves as motivation to continue refining the craft and allowing the vineyards to lead the way.
RIP Achim von Arnim
On a sadder note, earlier this month we heard of the passing of Achim von Arnim, a true legend of South African wine and a good friend of Danie de Wet and De Wetshof. Danie and Achim met while studying together at the famous Geisenheim Institute in Germany, one of the world’s leading education centres for viticulture and oenology.
Achim established himself as one of the country’s great winemakers at Boschendal Estate, before moving to his beloved Cabrière in Franschhoek, where he and his wife Hildegard built one of the country’s leading Cap Classique houses. Still wines were gradually added to the portfolio, and today Cabrière is a leading Cape winery with strong ties to De Wetshof, as Achim’s son and daughter – Takuan and Tanja – are now at the helm, as well as being close friends of Johann and Peter de Wet.
Takuan von Arnim with Achim von Arnim.
Danie and Achim still saw each other regularly, and Achim’s passing marks the end of a friendship of 56 years.
Achim will be sorely missed, but there is comfort in the knowledge that his immense spirit still oversees the soul of Cabrière and the Von Arnim family, who remain active on this majestic winery Achim founded and built into a place of true wine excellence.
Happy Holidays!
Those breaking away for the holidays and finding themselves in the Robertson surrounds can be assured that the De Wetshof tasting room is ready to welcome you for a curated wine tasting, a glass of cool Chardonnay under the trees, or a bit of browsing around our gift shop.
See our website, www.dewetshof.com, for opening times and details. Our service ambassadors look forward to welcoming you with true De Wetshof hospitality and a heartfelt festive spirit.
