A new challenge: Swapping the City of Oaks for Bot River

Who out there has visited Wildekrans Wine Estate?

Personally, I had never. I’d merely just drive past the estate while on route to Hermanus. However, I recently felt the urge to visit, and see what makes their terroir unique, and their wines so different – especially now with De Wet Viljoen taking over the winemaking duties.

After a 20 year tenure at Neethlingshof Wine Estate, “Mr. Pinotage” found himself leaving the City of Oaks for a new challenge out in Bot River…

When arriving at the estate, we immediately spotted De Wet managing tree felling, and the clearing of a large area in front of the tasting room – obviously preparing to plant new Pinotage vines! Always busy, always getting stuck-in!

De Wet was in great spirits, and was super eager to show us the cellar, and of course, let us taste the wines.

The tasting room oozes in winelands heritage and old school charm. It’s warm, cosy, well decorated (without being over-the-top), has old wooden finishes, wildlife trophies and wine accolades on the wall, with plenty natural light giving way to a very relaxing/calming atmosphere.

Although we tasted trough the whole collection, wines which left a lasting impression on myself were:

Limited Release Grenache Blanc/Chenin Blanc 2022
Barrel Select Reserve Cape Blend (Red) 2021
Barrel Select Reserve Pinotage 2022

These wines all manage to be “big” and pronounced, but without being fatiguing on the palate. The wines are carefully constructed to showcase varietal purity, concentration, and the higher natural acidity often associated with cooler climate regions. The low-intervention winemaking further helps place emphasis on the expressive nature of the Wildekrans fruit – rather the meticulous winemaking practices. Producing wines in this manner, allows De Wet to stand behind his wines, rather than in front of them.

It’s worth mentioning that while the estate focuses on Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Pinotage, they also produce a few “niche” wines from Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Also, Wildekrans is home to some of the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in South Africa, with vines on the farm dating back to 1982.

When speaking to De Wet, he praised the Overberg area as a whole. He spoke about proximity to the ocean, cooling influences from the river and lagoon, and the different soil types (mainly alluvial and shale which gives a beautiful minerality to their wines). Most importantly, he spoke about how they are making a conscious effort in planting varieties which are best suited to the specific soils found on the estate.

It was great to catch up. It really felt like a fresh start, away from the hustle and bustle of Stellenbosch, seemed to have rejuvenated his passion and energy for the intense, but increasingly beautiful, culture of wine. He also went on to praise the Wildekrans team, mentioning how sincere and down-to-earth the people behind the brand are.

It may still be early days, but I have no doubt that De Wet is about to take Wildekrans to new heights!

Next time you’re making your way through to Hermanus or surrounding areas, I’d recommend visiting Wildekrans. Try something new, you may just find your new favourite wine, or wedding venue, or restaurant, or picnic spot, or mountain bike trail, or, or, or…!

Purchase their wines here.

*Special thanks to Jesmeen, their tasting room manager. Super friendly, polite and professional. A true ambassador of the Wildekras brand!