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Thematic Interest & Activities

We started with our own cellar in 2001. We are proud to be amongst the several cellars in Wellington that are making waves in the wine industry. Our commitment is to "Wine of Origin - Wellington". We grow approximately 70% of our grapes on our own Estate on soils that have been described as within "the top 5% soil quality in the land". The remainder of the grapes comes from other Wellington vineyards.

Flagship Range: Our Flagship Range known as Carpe Diem, also made in our maiden year, reflects rigorous vineyard selection methods, harvested under conditions of optimal balance between chemical and physiological parameters. In the cellar it has longer maceration periods, and the wine is produced from mostly free-run juice. It is matured in new French and American oak barrels for a minimum period of 15 months. These wines have achieved significant success in both South African and International markets and are admired for their additional elegance and fruit intensity.

The first Cabernet Sauvignon (2001) won a Gold at the International Wine Challenge, while the 2003 vintage won the Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the Fairbairn capital wine Show in 2005. The Pinotage won the best Pinotage two years' running at the Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show and the 2003 Carpe Diem Pinotage was awarded a place in the ABSA Top Ten in 2005 as well as taking the SA Red Trophy at the International Wine Challenge

The 2004 vintage saw the launch of Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Viognier – our first white wine.

Premium Range: Our premium range, with the distinctive black and cream label, was launched in the year 2001 with four varietal wines - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. We are happy to say that almost immediately our special quality was recognised, and our Pinotage was awarded a coveted place in the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage competition of that year. Our aim is to produce intense and well-balanced wine of substantial complexity with the potential to age well, whilst readily drinkable when young (wood matured between six and nine months). It is our ‘coffee/chocolate’ Pinotage (the original) in this range that has made Diemersfontein so many friends.

Blends: The 2003 vintage marked the launch of our two first blends - "Summer's Lease" - a Shiraz based blend with Mourvedre and Pinotage, and "Heaven's Eye" - a Bordeaux type blend. These blends started their journey with Silver Awards from the 2004 International Wine Challenge, and four stars in the Platter Guide.

In 2005 Diemersfontein Wines was awarded 'Most Successful Producer' at the Fairbairn Capital (now Old Mutual) Trophy Wine Show.

Wine tasting Open 10.00 to 17.00 seven days a week
R15/person (minimum 6 people). Cellar Tours by appointment.

Winemakers: Francois Roode and Brett Rightford assisted by Klaas Windvogel and Anna Pietersen, make up the team responsible for making the wines at Diemersfontein.

Francois was born and raised on the edge of the Namibian desert, so when moving to Cape Town the lush Cape winelands stole his heart. Studying viticulture at Elsenburg established a firm grounding, but “it was the wine that I felt myself drawn to”, explains Francois. Starting out at Perdeberg Cellars with the emphasis on technical logistics, Francois moved to Diemersfontein in 2003 where he was able to take on the more creative side of winemaking. “Having control over vineyards and being able to make wine in smaller quantities allows us the freedom to experiment”, comments Francois.

Brett on the other hand was brought up in Cape Town, attended Rondebosch Boys High and qualified as a horticulturist at Cape Technikon. “ While working in Wellington (the largest nursery for vines in South Africa) as a horticulturist, I developed an affinity for vines and met my wife to be. Having an adventurous spirit, it was a natural step to take on the challenges of winemaking,” explains Brett. He went on to work at Jordan Winery where he developed a feeling for both the technical and artistic aspects of winemaking. Realizing that he needed a deeper knowledge of all things vinous, Brett went back to study under Loftie Ellis at Elsenburg. While studying I was fortunate to make wine on the Groenberg area in Wellington, which allowed me to gain a feeling for the area and the fantastic potential that is locked-up in its soils, people and vineyards!

Making reference to the fact that both Francois and Brett fall under the Gemini sign astronomically, they are referred to as ‘the twins’ by the rest of the Diemersfontein staff.