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ABOUT BONNIEVALE WINERY

About Bonnievale Wines

THE BONNIEVALE STORY

We make wines that reflect the slopes, soils and climate they come from, for people who enjoy them.

This pursuit is the endeavour of many people and many years. The communities deep-rooted in wine growing for generations are a proud part of the Bonnievale wine brand.

The Bonnievale story and the winery itself came about through the collaboration of local farmers and was initiated in the early 2000s. These farmers understood that a region’s best and most enjoyable wines can only be made with the widest selection of fruit from a vast terroir.

Bonnievale Today

Today, Bonnievale Wines comprises four production cellars whose cumulative histories go back centuries. Our cellars process grapes from 100 member farms. Among them, the Elethu Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment farm was established in 2007.

Multi Generational

Combining with the farmers’ multi-generational experience and sustainable management of the land is a talented winemaking team. They match varieties with ideal terroir and usher fruit with cutting-edge innovation to become delicious and much-awarded wine.

About Bonnievale Wines
About Bonnievale Wines

WINE OF ORIGIN SCHEME

Under South Africa’s legislated Wine of Origin scheme, Bonnievale is certified as being a producer of the Breede River Valley in the district of Robertson. Wines made here are proudly labelled Wine of Origin: Bonnievale – an independent guarantee that what’s in the bottle can be traced to our vineyards and their promise of great quality.

About Bonnievale Wines - Rigg & The History
About Bonnievale Wines

RIGG & THE HISTORY
OF BONNIEVALE

Cape wineries each have an individual story to tell. Ours goes back to the earliest formation of our valley and the powerful tectonic forces that created the landscape.

Early farmers treasured this location for that very reason. When agricultural settlement began to gain momentum in the late 1800s, an early visitor to the valley was Christopher Forrest Rigg. He would eventually unlock the potential that shaped the valley as it is today.

Rigg quickly realised the farming potential offered by the trifecta of a sublime climate, fertile soils and the availability of water. He set about obtaining and segmenting land, offering it for private purchase, and lobbying trains to make regular stops here.

Irrigation Canals

Importantly, he also turned his attention to creating a reliable network of irrigation canals. This was a historic turning point that allows the valley to thrive to this day. Various attempts had been made to funnel water to farmland from the river, but Rigg was the first to do so successfully. One part of the project, which required tunnelling with dynamite, was referred by newspapers of the time as “the greatest engineering project of its time in South Africa by one man”.

Multi Generational

Soon, a town was born. Bonnievale’s first town council was established in 1922 and the first municipality was declared in 1953. Rigg sowed the seeds for Bonnievale as it is today and named it too. This Scottish colloquialism for a “happy valley”, was inspired by Rigg’s birthplace in Scotland. Christopher Rigg died in November 1926, while on a sea journey. He was buried at sea.

Back in the early days, Rigg called the Bonnievale valley “the chance of a lifetime”. We like to think of ours as the best wine in the Cape and indeed, “the find of a lifetime”.

2018

Vitis Vinifera Awards 2018 GOLD

River Collection Cinsault Rosé 2018: Bracing and dry, the River Collection Cinsault Rosé reflects a style typical of Southern France. It’s light, aromatic and sumptuously fruity.
2019

Michelangelo 2019 GOLD

The River Collection Merlot: is smooth and supple, redolent of red and blackberry fruit and notes of vanilla cream that echo on the palate.
2020

National Wine Challenge 2020 Double Platinum

Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017: Juicy raspberry and liquorice leap from the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon. A touch of spice joins fine tannins that lend poise and a velvet finish.
2022

2022 FNB SAUVIGNON BLANC SA TOP 10

River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022: A tropical fruit salad distinguishes this invigorating River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022. Flintiness recalls vineyard soil and herbiness, its semi-arid home.
About Bonnievale Wines

BONNIEVALE LEADERSHIP

John Barnardt

Chief Executive Officer

Bonnievale Wines represents years of hard work that has united four wineries comprising 100 grape producers and 60 colleagues.

Marthinus Rademeyer

Production Manager & Winemaker

The biggest kick for me is to come across our wine where I don’t expect to, such as in a random social setting.

Edwin Mathambo

Winemaker

Eddie joined Bonnievale Wines straight out of school and undertaking various courses along the way, worked his way up to the position of winemaker.