Piekenierskloof Wines

Piekenierskloof Winery: A Rich History

In the early days, the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) sent Dutch soldiers, known as Piekeniers, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Olifants River region. Tasked with protecting travelers crossing the Piekenierskloof mountain ridge, these soldiers found the lush valley so appealing that they decided to settle there. They cultivated the land, forming a small farming community, and thus began the story of Piekenierskloof Wines.
In 1923, Johan Abraham van Zyl and his wife, Wilhelmina, settled in this rugged area. By 1957, the need for a winery led to the establishment of Citrusdal Winery, later known as ‘Goue Vallei Wyne.’ Johan Abraham’s son, Carel van Zyl, planted the first vineyards in 1962. Today, Carel’s grandsons, Oubaas and Potgieter van Zyl, continue this legacy, managing several hectares of vineyards on the Bergendal and Heidedal farms.
In 2017, the winery was renamed Piekenierskloof Wines, with ownership shared among Oubaas, Potgieter, and their sister Mientjie Mouton, founder of Carmién Tea. This trio is dedicated to unlocking the potential of the Piekenierskloof area and its vines.
The fourth generation of the van Zyl family honors their heritage by producing unique wines from carefully tended vines, which yield a generous harvest for all to enjoy.

A Premier Wine Region

Piekenierskloof is recognized as one of South Africa's top wine regions. Our wines reflect the unique terroir of the Piekenierskloof mountains, and our labels pay homage to the Dutch soldiers who once guarded the pass. These soldiers, known for their distinctive attire and long lances, inspire our Piekenierskloof Range.
We have reimagined these soldiers to symbolize our values—philosophy, peace, and new beginnings. Each wine in our collection features one of eight different labels, collectively narrating our story.
The Old Vine range is particularly special, crafted from grapes harvested from bush vines that have thrived for over 50 years.

Wines of Distinction

As you enter the Piekenierskloof region via the Paleisheuwel Road, the beauty of the terroir is immediately apparent. Our vineyards flourish on both West- and East-facing slopes, planted in Tafelberg sandstone soils at altitudes of 650m to 700m. This elevation cools the grapes during hot summer days, allowing them to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors, resulting in wines rich in fresh fruit and berry notes.
Grenache is the star varietal of Piekenierskloof, thriving in hot, dry conditions. This hardy vine produces exceptional quality as it matures, and its water-wise nature complements our portfolio of iconic Rhône varietals, including Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.
Under the guidance of our Cellar Master, Jaco van Niekerk, Piekenierskloof Wines consistently produces award-winning Rhône-style wines that showcase the best of this remarkable region.