If you’re looking for a lovely setting for a family lunch with some superb wine pairing or a venue for a wedding, kitchen tea or baby shower, look no further. And there are even MTB trails for the avid mountain bikers.
Perdeberg was established in 1941 and is situated at the foot of the Paardeberg in the Paarl region. The name originates from the Cape Mountain zebra that was mistaken by the Dutch settlers for what they thought were wild horses − they named the mountain Paardeberg − the wine farm’s name, Perdeberg, is the Afrikaans for this.
Perdeberg has a long history with Chenin Blanc and they have gone so far as to be registered as ‘The Home of Chenin Blanc’. They offer nine different executions/styles of Chenin Blanc within their portfolio. This showcases the versatility of Chenin Blanc, and you will not find this at any other producer. Perdeberg is therefore the ideal place to visit if you want to truly experience Chenin Blanc.
Perdeberg Cellar is the ideal place to enjoy a fun winelands experience unlike any other. Their selections of wines ranges from lifestyle to multi-award winning, so treat yourself to a wine-tasting or indulge in one of their wine-pairing options. Over the years, many a great wine has been crafted at Perdeberg Cellar, acclaimed by numerous awards both locally and internationally.
The vineyards are mostly dryland, meaning that there is no irrigation to water the vines. These growing conditions ensure that their vineyards produce low yields with small berries and concentrated fruit. They have also named our premium range the Dryland Collection to celebrate wines made under these growing conditions. They offer a wide range of wines for every consumer and for the visitors we have a family style restaurant that offers great food to complement the wines.
Eat@Perdeberg
Perdeberg recently expanded its winery offering with the opening of Eat@Perdeberg – a family friendly country kitchen-style restaurant. This is a great excuse for a family outing to the winelands with a different take on the usual menu. Enjoy true Perdeberg hospitality in the tranquil gardens or the comfort of the air-conditioned restaurant.
The talented team under the watchful eye of Chef Rob Hahn’s will treat you to mouth-watering, home-style tried-and tested dishes made from locally sourced produce. This delectable fare can be enjoyed with Perdeberg’s award-winning selection of wines and their very own craft beer. Children are entertained by a fun garden play area and on weather-permitting weekends, the addition of a jumping castle, whilst parents can sit back and relax beneath the trees.
An informative wine tasting can be combined with unique food pairings, including braai picnics and sweet treats like chocolate and marshmallows. Sit back and relax in good company with a glass in hand, either indoors in a comfortable setting, or outside in the attractive family-friendly seating area.
For those enjoying the outdoors enjoy scenic mountain biking and running trails, suited to both adventurous and novice riders. Their trails are open to visiting guests.
We chat to Cellar Master Albertus Louw
How did you get started in wine?
I grew up on a farm where we farmed with wine grapes, but did not make our own wine. Wine was intriguing for me, and over time I developed a passion for wine and wine-making.
What do you love about winemaking?
Every wine and vintage is different, which is partly due to wine evolving over the year, as not only does it make the practice of winemaking interesting, but also at times challenging. There is never a dull moment. I also get to work in the vineyard, which allows me to make changes in the management of the vineyard, and in doing so I get to see the end result in the bottle. Working with nature to create something for people to enjoy is indescribable.
What do you enjoy most about making wine at Perdeberg?
We have the opportunity to be creative and innovative in the cellar, and this combined with the excellent dryland grown grapes allows our team to make great wines in different styles. I am passionate about Chenin Blanc, and where better to live this dream than at the Home of Chenin Blanc.
What goals in winemaking do you wish to achieve?
I want to create wines that are balanced and true to the varietal and terroir. It is my ultimate goal to make the Dryland Collection a well-known and aspirational brand that every wine lover wants to serve at their dinner table.
What do you admire the most about South African wines?
South Africa is all about diversity, and being a small player in the international wine arena takes a lot of hard work and effort to achieve results. We produce the world’s best-value wines and a lot has been done to improve our wine quality over the last 20 years.
What is the hardest part of harvest?
Harvest is not always easy, as it requires long hours, seven days a week, of hard work and commitment. It does not always go according to plan, especially when the weather conditions don’t play in your favour, and you need to think and react fast.
What is your favourite Perdeberg wine?
The dryland barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc is my favourite, as it is perfectly balanced. This wine showcases an abundance of flavour textures and shows that Chenin Blanc can produce premium wines. For me, a perfect complex Chenin Blanc is simply the best.
