Vineyards

Built with passion for winemaking and respect for the land

We have vineyards located across the entire Western Cape, from an outside perspective there is no rhyme or reason to this eclectic collection. Each vineyard is chosen on its own merits, the overarching style of wine in Blackwater will shine through regardless of variety or location.

Local vineyards

We have a handful of vineyards that forms the core of our production, every now and again a new one might join or less ideal we might need to leave one behind. By in large, we have been very fortunate to retain the same vineyards for nearly a decade.

    Van Zyl Palomino

    The old oneThe Van Zyl Palomino vineyard

    Located in the hamlet of Ashton, this Robertson wine of origin vineyard is as unique as are the owners and farmers. The van Zyl family have been based here for generations and it is true privelage to be allowed to work with what is arguably our most eccentric variety; Palomino.

    Region
    Ashton – Robertson
    Altitude
    323m
    Latitude
    33 47 17 S
    Longitude
    20 17 58 E
    Planted Varietals
    1927
    Climate
    Continental climate, cool winters with above average precipitation due to the valley location, moderately warm summers with medium-high diurnal influence
    Soil
    Oakleaf soils with streaks of Glenrosa associated with Malmesbury group
    Wine
    The Pleasure Garden Palomino

    Papkuilsfontein Syrah

    All rockPapkuilsfontein Syrah

    A lone vineyard located on a rocky hilltop outside Malmesbury; it doesn’t look like much on first glance, it is painfully difficult to farm and has a hard time to consistently deliver a sustainable crop…. But the fruit coming from it…. Year in and year out blows our minds.

    Region
    Swartland
    Altitude
    220m
    Latitude
    33 23 14 S
    Longitude
    18 46 12 E
    Planted Varietals
    Climate
    Cool, medium rainfall, minimal influence from ocean, medium diurnal range, moderate warm and dry summers
    Wine
    Cultellus Syrah
    Soil

    Hanekom Chenin Blanc

    Basically desertHanekom Chenin Blanc

    Half a day’s drive and our further Western vineyard of the lot, out against the slopes of Piketberg hidden between citrus orchards and mixed farming is a mind-blowing block of Chenin blanc.

    Region
    Swartland
    Altitude
    195m
    Latitude
    32 41 38S
    Longitude
    18 47 15E
    Planted
    1988
    Soil
    Table Mountain sandstone and coffee-stone (koffie klip)
    Climate
    Typical semi-arid West Coast weather, cool winters with moderate rain, high diurnal influence and warm, dry summers
    Wine
    Picquet Chenin Blanc

    The Phoenix blockBoetie’s Cinsaut

    The stepbrother of grapes, Cinsaut have been a work-horse grape in South Africa for decades, recently it has received its rightful place, not as assistant, but the star of the show. Boetie van Reenen (RIP) was the custodian of this little jewel in Darling, he left us far too early unfortunately, in memory of Boetie we will continue working with his grapes for as long as we are permitted to.

    Region
    Darling
    Altitude
    175m
    Latitude
    33 26 04S
    Longitude
    18 27 57E
    Climate
    West-coast influence is pertinent, cool winters with low diurnal range and medium rainfall. Summers are dry and medium-high temperature range with cool ocean influence off the coast
    Wine
    Zeitgeist / Hinterland Cinsaut