The De Waal Family Legacy

The De Waal family's winemaking history in South Africa dates back to 1715 when Jan de Waal arrived in Cape Town from Amsterdam. As the newly appointed Quartermaster of the Cape of Good Hope, Jan was granted land in Cape Town, where the historic Jan de Waal House now stands as a National Monument. In 1760, he purchased a farm and built a home for his 17 children, marking the beginning of the family's winemaking tradition that has continued for nine generations.

Top of the Hill Pinotage

In 1950, brothers Danie and Koffie De Waal planted the Top of the Hill vineyard, embracing the emerging Pinotage variety. Just nine years earlier, their cousin CT de Waal had crafted the first Pinotage wine, but the market was still uncertain. The brothers chose to plant just one hectare on a hillside next to a wild fig tree, unaware that this location was ideal for Pinotage. The medium to poor sandy soil, combined with a clay layer below, has since produced exceptional wines. Top of the Hill Pinotage has earned a place among the Top 10 Pinotage Award winners six times, showcasing the complexity and quality that older vineyards can achieve.

Top reviews

Christine de Valence
August 6, 2023
The wine is fantastic! The tastings are well worth it and well priced for the experience of tasting wine produced from the oldest Pinotage vineyard in the world. I would have loved to walk around the farm but it is mostly private property. Definitely worth a stop for the wine though.
Nayane Araújo
January 22, 2024
Wonderful service and spectacular wines,
See more reviews

Location

Location Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7604, South Africa

Region

Stellenbosch, Coastal Region of South Africa, South Africa

Spoken Languages

Services

Parking

Visiting Hours

Monday - Saturday
10:00 - 16:30
Sunday
closed

Wine types

Red Wine
White Wine

Grape varieties

Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Merlot
Shiraz
Pinotage
Cabernet Sauvignon

Other wineries in Coastal Region of South Africa

Discover cities near De Waal Wines

Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about De Waal Wines

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at De Waal Wines.

Write a review
4.7 /5
5
4
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0

Reviews (6)

Zach Rose
Reviewed on November 26, 2024

Excellent wines paired with rich history and storytelling in an intimate setting. A real hidden gem, offering insight into the world of the winemaker and his passion.

Review provided by Google

Nayane Araújo
Reviewed on January 22, 2024

Wonderful service and spectacular wines,

Review provided by Google

Christine de Valence
Reviewed on August 6, 2023

The wine is fantastic! The tastings are well worth it and well priced for the experience of tasting wine produced from the oldest Pinotage vineyard in the world. I would have loved to walk around the farm but it is mostly private property. Definitely worth a stop for the wine though.

Review provided by Google

Tim Mitchell
Reviewed on January 11, 2023

Great first real try of Pinotage. Our host was so friendly and very knowledgeable. Star off for lack of some type of even simple food pairing or water to help rebalance tastes and change Out our glasses between tastes. Still recommend a visit Also two bottle deals are nice incentive to get another version of their great pinotage.

Review provided by Google

Charlotte MMC
Reviewed on October 2, 2022

This place is a hidden gem. Our host, Thembi was super friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the premium tasting which includes the Top of the hill pinotage, but my favorite was the Cab Sav. Overall a lovely experience.

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about De Waal Wines

Where is De Waal Wines located?

De Waal Wines is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa

What type of wines does De Waal Wines produce?

De Waal Wines produces Red Wine, White Wine.

What grape varieties do they plant at De Waal Wines?

At De Waal Wines, they cultivate Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon,.

What languages do they speak at the De Waal Wines?

At De Waal Wines they speak English.

Do they produce organic wines at De Waal Wines?

No, De Waal Wines is not an organic wine producer.