De Wetshof Estate

The winery De Wetshof is located in the Robertson Wine Valley in South Africa. It is regarded as one of the most famous Chardonnay estates in the world. 

De Wetshof Estate - Wines from the Chardonnay wizard

Since the 1970s, the estate has been run by Danie de Wet. Back then, contrary to import bans and quarantine regulations, he brought Chardonnay vines to South Africa and thus laid the foundation for his current pioneering role in the production of exquisite white wines.

The climate in Robertson

The climate in the Robertson Wine Valley is dry. A gentle breeze blows from the Agulhas coast towards the vineyards, providing good cooling during the sunny summer. The cool winds and the dryness at the same time reduce the risk of pests in the vineyards, so the use of pesticides can be reduced to a minimum.

The soils

The soils of the sites of the De Wetshof estate are characterized by their high limestone content and the associated optimal pH value. Each of the vineyard plots has individual soil characteristics, which in turn affects the character of the individual wines.

• While the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which take root in the rocky, silica-rich soils, impress with mineral aromas and a citrus note,
• the wines that grow closer to the Breede River have a fuller, denser taste thanks to the high clay content that prevails in the soils there.

It is precisely this reflection of the terroir in the wines that winemakers around the world strive for. De Wetshof achieves this in an outstanding, elegant way.