Our story is one of resilience & renewal
Nestled at the foot of the mountain after which it is named.
ABOUT US
In South Africa, few wine estates have had such a wild catapult into winemaking fame as Saronsberg. Imagine releasing your first vintage and immediately receiving accolades!
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Discover where it all started
Flanked on all sides by mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley, Tulbagh is utterly unique in its topography and natural beauty. It was this special character that attracted the first settlers here over three hundred years ago, and the same quality which led to the selection of Tulbagh as the site for Saronsberg winery. Recognising the distinctive terroir and potential of the valley, Saronsberg has joined the mission initially led by Rijk’s Cellar to prove the region’s capacity for producing wines of outstanding quality.
Tremendous milestones
In such a short period of time.
The Wildfire
The immediate construction of a cellar was not part of the initial plan, but a wildfire two months after the acquisition of the farm meant the original strategy of gradually replanting vineyards had to be re-assessed.
Although the farm’s best vineyards – most located on a section of Welgegund known locally as “Die Erf” – were saved, a more assertive planting program was initiated in 2003.
The Mountain
Saronsberg consists of two farm portions formerly known as Waveren and Welgegund. The farm originally formed part of the beautiful and historic Twee Jonge Gezellen (TJG) until it was divided between the two Krone brothers in the 1950s. Waveren and Welgegund, which lie on either side of TJG, were acquired in 2002 and renamed after the commanding mountain whose slopes are home to a portion of their vines: Saronsberg. The two sites are distinctly different in terroir, with broad disparities in altitude, aspect, soil type, wind and rainfall patterns and temperature producing grapes with strongly contrasting characteristics.
The Cellar
On 25 January 2004, Saronsberg’s winemaking history officially began with the harvest of our first Sauvignon Blanc grapes – a momentous occasion that was celebrated 2 weeks later with a harvest party, then again the following year when Saronsberg reaped numerous awards for the 2004 vintage.
Environmental commitment
Saronsberg also underscores the principles of BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative) which is a partnership between individual farms and the conservation sector with the aim of conserving the existing natural fauna and flora and through sustainable farming practices preserving it for future generations.
Our commitment to the land
To underscore our commitment to the land we are proud to be members of the Integrated Production of Wine. IPW complies with international wine industry environmental sustainability criteria, including the 'Global Wine Sector Environmental Sustainability Principles as published by the International Federation of Wine and Spirits (FIVS) and the 'OIV. The production practices on farms and/or cellars of persons joining the scheme are evaluated and audited by the board.
Stronger together
We take social responsibility seriously and are members of WIETA. The association arose out of an Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) pilot project in the wine industry in the late 90s. The pilot not only assisted the ETI, its retail corporate members, and South African partners in learning about, developing, and refining inspection methodologies in monitoring their base code but was also instrumental in bringing together the private sector, labour, and civil society stakeholders in and associated with the wine industry of the Western Cape to discuss and debate issues around ethical trade.
Meet our people
Our people are the driving force behind our winemaking excellence, customer service, and brand success. From our experienced winemakers and vineyard managers to our dedicated sales and marketing professionals, our team is passionate about crafting exceptional wines, fostering strong customer relationships, and upholding our winery’s values. With their diverse expertise, creativity, and collaboration, our team is the backbone of our winery’s operations, and we take pride in their unwavering commitment to producing wines of the highest quality.
AUG 2002
The beginning
Early one Monday there is a fax in the machine. A fruit farm is for sale in Tulbagh. About a month later we learn that our offer has been accepted and are completely overwhelmed by the idea. What now? For now, it’s decided to continue with fruit orchards and systematically plant vineyards.
FEB 2003
The farm is on fire!
A fire on the farm destroyed 100 ha of orchards and 60 ha of vineyards. Fortunately, our workers and their homes were unharmed.
MAR 2003
Building the winery
Perhaps it is the right time to build a cellar. Where? In the end, it is seven old oak trees and practical considerations that win.
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JUL 2004
First vintage
A year later and our first vintage Sauvignon Blanc is in the bottle. in the darkness, the red wines quietly engage in the ageing process.
2008
First vintage of the Provenance Shiraz
This wine would go on to become South Africa’s best-selling Shiraz.
2018
Maintaining & improving quality remains our utmost focus
Annual production has steadily grown to 500,000 bottles per annum.
2013
Opening of Saronsberg vineyard cottages
Sixteen well equipped and spacious self-catering cottages open their doors to those seeking a relaxing time in between the vineyards.
2016
We host our first ever wedding
In our newly constructed wedding venue.
