Oldenburg Vineyards

Rondekop Translated - Episode 10 | Unlocking Rondekop's Energy

Before the wine, there is precision. In this short, Winemaker Nic van Aarde takes us into the cellar during harvest, guiding us through our meticulous sorting process - berry by berry. Every bunch is assessed, every imperfect grape removed, ensuring only the purest expression of Rondekop makes it into the barrel or tank. At Oldenburg Vineyards, energy begins with attention to detail. Subscribe to follow the journey from vineyard to bottle. #RondekopTranslated #OldenburgVineyards #Harvest2025 #Wi

Oldenburg Vineyards - The Garden Philosophy

Great wine begins beneath the surface — in the soil, in the philosophy, and in the people who bring it to life. In this film, Adrian Vanderspuy walks through the Rondekop Garden philosophy: Place, People, and Practices. At its heart is a simple idea — that exceptional wine is the result of exceptional care, and that care only happens when the people tending the vines understand why what they do matters. "Without the people, we can't execute our goals. We have the specialty wine, we have the spec

Rondekop Translated | Episode 3 - It Takes a Village!

Welcome back to Rondekop Translated, our behind-the-scenes series exploring the people, places, and precision behind Oldenburg Vineyards. In this episode: - Viticulturist Christo Crous explains what is currently happening in the vineyard as the vines prepare for dormancy. - Winemaker Nic van Aarde introduces Lucillia Ramos, our new assistant winemaker. - Nic and Lucillia tastes a promising new block of Chardonnay from the barrel. Nic tells us about the upcoming wine releases. - Delaille Raubenhe

Oldenburg Vineyards - Rondekop Translated

Join winemaker Nic van Aarde to discover Oldenburg Vineyards and the magic behind our iconic hill, Rondekop.

Rondekop Translated - Episode 11 | Rondekop's Fingerprint

In this episode, Winemaker Nic van Aarde takes us into the cellar to explore one of the most defining choices in our winemaking: wild fermentation. At Oldenburg Vineyards, we’ve never inoculated with cultured yeasts. Instead, we rely entirely on the native yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar — allowing each fermentation to unfold naturally, guided by place rather than prescription. The result is wines that are more textured, more expressive, and deeply connected to Rondekop. Nothing a

Rondekop Translated - Episode 8 | Rondekop's Cabernet Sauvignon Story

Twenty years ago, Rondekop’s Cabernet Sauvignon story began with a replanting mission, a battle against leaf-roll virus, and a belief in what this extraordinary site could become. Today, that journey has led to one of our proudest milestones yet: Per Se 2022 being awarded Best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa in Platter’s 2025 Guide. In this episode, Adrian Vanderspuy reflects on the evolution of Rondekop’s Cabernet Sauvignon - from the early challenges to the precision viticulture that define

Rondekop Translated | Episode 4 - Unfiltered

What’s that in my glass? In this episode, Winemaker Nic van Aarde breaks down the truth about sediment in wine — what it is, why it forms, and why it’s a natural (and welcome) sign of life in the bottle. Nic also takes us behind the scenes to demonstrate how we rack our wines — a gentle, time-honoured technique that allows us to avoid filtration while preserving purity and texture. At Oldenburg, we believe in minimal intervention. That means no fining, no filtration - just honest, expressive win

Rondekop Translated - Episode 9 | Where Nature Leads

Harvest isn’t decided by a calendar. It’s guided by the vineyard itself. Join Nic van Aarde and Christo Crous as they walk the vineyards, tasting berries, checking pips, reading the numbers - and listening to nature. Because on Rondekop, experience matters just as much as science.

Oldenburg Vineyards - The Tasting Room

Off the beaten track, a winding road leads deep into the Banghoek Valley—and to one of the Cape Winelands’ best-kept secrets: Oldenburg Vineyards. Our Tasting Room experience is shaped by the power of 8 Natural Elements that define our extraordinary terroir: - Indian Ocean - Atlantic Ocean - Mountain Ranges - Mountain Amphitheatre - Cool Winds - Elevation - Soils - Rondekop – our iconic hill and heart of the farm In this video, our exceptional sommeliers share what makes Oldenburg truly unlike a

Rondekop Translated - Episode 5 | Thinking Like a Vine

In the latest episode of Rondekop Translated - Join us in the Banghoek Valley as Winemaker Nic van Aarde and Viticulturalist Christo Crous take you into the vineyard to explore the art and science of pruning. Driving through the vines, Nic asks Christo key questions: - Why do we prune vines? - When is the best time to prune? - How do pruning decisions differ across cultivars and trellising systems? Christo also gives a hands-on demonstration, showing exactly how we prune and why each cut is a vi

Rondekop Translated - Episode 10 | Unlocking Rondekop's Energy

Before the wine, there is precision. In this short, Winemaker Nic van Aarde takes us into the cellar during harvest, guiding us through our meticulous sorting process - berry by berry. Every bunch is assessed, every imperfect grape removed, ensuring only the purest expression of Rondekop makes it into the barrel or tank. At Oldenburg Vineyards, energy begins with attention to detail. Subscribe to follow the journey from vineyard to bottle. #RondekopTranslated #OldenburgVineyards #Harvest2025 #Winemaking #StellenboschWine #FromVineToWine #BerryByBerry

Rondekop Translated - Episode 7 | The Alchemy of Blending

Join Winemaker Nic van Aarde and Assistant Winemaker Lucillia Ramos inside the Oldenburg Vineyards cellar as they reveal the art and precision behind blending fine wines. Discover how subtle differences between barrels, vineyard blocks, and ratios create the final harmony in every glass. This is where science meets instinct, and craftsmanship becomes alchemy. Experience the process behind wines like the Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon, and the upcoming 2024 and 2025 vintages - shaped by Rondekop’s ext

A New Season Begins | Green Harvesting Chardonnay (Harvest 2026)

A new year brings a new season in the vineyard. Join our viticulturist, Christo Crous, in the Echela Chardonnay block at Oldenburg Vineyards as green harvesting begins - carefully selecting bunches based on colour, firmness, taste and feel to ensure even ripening and exceptional quality ahead of Harvest 2026

The 8 Elements of Oldenburg Vineyards | What Makes Our Terroir Unique

What makes a wine truly reflect its Place? At Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch’s Banghoek Valley, we believe it begins with nature. In this video, we explore the 8 Natural Elements that converge to create one of the most distinctive terroirs in the world—and the foundation of our winemaking philosophy. 1. INDIAN OCEAN – Brings cooling maritime influence from the southeast 2. ATLANTIC OCEAN – Provides cold fronts and cleansing air from the west 3. MOUNTAIN RANGES – Surrounding peaks create dra

Precision in Every Cut | Pruning Oldenburg Vineyards' Grenache Bush Vines

One of our vineyard specialists in action, pruning our Grenache bush vines with precision and care. Each cut is a decision, shaping balance, quality and the story that will unfold in your glass.

A New Season Begins | Green Harvesting Chardonnay (Harvest 2026)

A new year brings a new season in the vineyard. Join our viticulturist, Christo Crous, in the Echela Chardonnay block at Oldenburg Vineyards as green harvesting begins - carefully selecting bunches based on colour, firmness, taste and feel to ensure even ripening and exceptional quality ahead of Harvest 2026

Rondekop Translated - Episode 6 | The Edge of Wilderness

This month, we explore the untamed beauty that surrounds Oldenburg Vineyards - and how it shapes everything we do, from vine to wine. 🍇 In the Vineyard Viticulturist Christo Crous and the team are busy suckering as the vines burst to life. He shares why this process is essential — and why our vineyards thrive alongside wild neighbours like caracals, porcupines, honey badgers, and deer. "The more you work with nature, the more nature provides." 🍷 In the Cellar Winemaker Nic van Aarde walks us t

Precision in Every Cut | Pruning Oldenburg Vineyards' Grenache Bush Vines

One of our vineyard specialists in action, pruning our Grenache bush vines with precision and care. Each cut is a decision, shaping balance, quality and the story that will unfold in your glass.

Rondekop Translated | Episode 2 - The Map

Rondekop Translated | Episode 1 - Spiritual Home

This month, our proprietor Adrian Vanderspuy takes you on a quiet walk through Rondekop — the heart and soul of Oldenburg Vineyards. In this intimate reflection, Adrian shares why the Banghoek Valley is his spiritual home, and what makes this place, and its terroir, so exceptional. From the wide diurnal shifts to the groundbreaking work being done by Nic in the cellar and Christo in the vineyard — it’s all part of what makes Rondekop extraordinary. We’ve just completed what we believe may be our best harvest since 2015. Adrian introduces our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vineyards and gives insight into our regenerative approach post-harvest. Pour a glass, settle in, and journey with us through the vines. From our Rondekop to your screen — cheers, and we hope to welcome you soon. #OldenburgVineyards #RondekopTranslated #BanghoekValley #Harvest2025 #FineWine #CapeWinelands

Oldenburg Vineyards Newsletter Video March 2025

The 2025 harvest is officially in the cellar! With exceptional quality, deep colour in the reds, and perfect ripeness, this vintage is shaping up to be one to remember—comparable to the iconic 2015 harvest. At Oldenburg Vineyards, our small cellar allows us to micro-vinify, focusing on quality over quantity. Winemaker Nic van Aarde explains how we process our Bordeaux and Rhône varietals separately to bring out their unique expressions. Christo Crous, our viticulturist, explains how we carefully demarcate vineyard blocks based on vine vigour, ripeness, and soil type—ensuring precision from vineyard to bottle. Plus, we’re thrilled to introduce Delaille Raubenheimer, a qualified winemaker, who joins us as our new Brand & Direct Sales Manager! Join us as we celebrate an outstanding vintage and look ahead to what’s in store for Oldenburg Vineyards!

Oldenburg Vineyards Newsletter Video February 2025

February Harvest Update | Oldenburg Vineyards Join us for the latest Oldenburg Vineyards monthly update! Winemaker Nic van Aarde and viticulturist Christo Crous take us behind the scenes of the 2025 harvest. Chris walks us through the vineyards, sharing insights on the growing season, while Nic gives us an exclusive look at what’s happening in the cellar. Don’t miss this inside look at how the next vintage is shaping up.

Oldenburg Vineyards Newsletter January 2025

January is always a busy month here at Oldenburg VIneyards as we prepare for the upcoming harvest. Nic van Aarde tells us what is happening in the cellar, whilst Christo Crous updates us on the final touches in the vineyards with a special insert on how we work with nature to combat threats in the vineyards.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - November 2024

A Room with The View. The whole experience that we are trying to build at Oldenburg Vineyards, is bringing what's happening in the vineyards back into your glass. There are no average views here. Every seat has front row seats. When you visit The Tasting Room, the wine, the surroundings and our excellent team of sommeliers are all responsible for bringing what's in your glass to life.

Oldenburg Vineyards' View - October 2024

With the upcoming release of the Rondekop Una V Chardonnay, Adrian tells us more about the inspiring woman it is named after - his paternal grandmother, Una Vanderspuy. Nic and Adrian also have a taste of this extremely special wine.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - September 2024

Spring is here, and the farm is coming alive with activity. Nic and Christo tell us a bit more about the new plantings, Nic updates us on the work our Dexter cows have been doing in the vineyards and Greg tells us more about his recent achievement at the South African Best Young Sommelier Awards, and the importance of the sommelier experiences at The Tasting Room.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - August 2024

We've got some exciting new developments to share this month. As part of our regenerative farming practices, we have three brand new team members to introduce: two Dexter cows, a calf and a litter of Kolbroek pigs. These new additions will be helping with weed control through grazing.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - July 2024

The valley is truly in the heart of winter, with lots of rain and plenty of precious cold units for the vines recovery. Nic updates us on what winter on the farm has been like, shares what's happening in the cellar with Vintage 2024 and Christo talks about the very important practice of pruning.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - June 2024

Oldenburg Vineyards was recently appointed as a WWF Conservation Champion. To celebrate this achievement, we wanted to share our sustainability journey, starting in 2003 with the removal of invasive species, continued with the extensive planting of fynbos all over the farm, focusing on soil health, our solar project, water management practices, and working with nature to sustainably practice regenerative farming.

Oldenburg Vineyards' Views - May 2024

Winter is creeping into the Banghoek Valley and while it has still been fairly dry, the first rains allowed Christo to plant the cover crops which play such an important role in the health and maintenance of our vineyards. Christo tells us more about the various types of cover crop plantings and their purpose. Adrian also catches us up on the progress of our Generation 3 Project.