When Rudiger Gretschel was interviewed for a position with Tim Rands (of Boekenhoutskloof and others), he expressed his ambition to produce wine from his own vineyard. This dream, seemingly distant for someone without a farm in South Africa, began to take shape as he became part of the team. His initial task involved sourcing Grenache for a popular wine, the Chocolate Block, which led to frequent visits to the Piekeneerskloof region. There, he developed a passion for the area and cultivated relationships with local farmers.
After 18 years of hard work and connection-building, Rudiger was presented with an opportunity—an 84-year-old farmer decided to retire and sell his 1000-hectare farm, containing just 3 hectares of vines, to him. This marked the beginning of Swartberg Wingerde, the manifestation of Rudiger’s winemaking dreams.
The farm operates without electricity or mobile reception, with water sourced from two springs. Rudiger describes the vineyard’s practices as being "one step past biodynamic viticulture," focusing on holistic and sustainable methods. To ensure the viability of his project, he collaborates with neighboring vineyards to source the needed grapes. The inaugural vintage was produced in 2021, and the results have been exceptional.
Here are some highlights of Rudiger’s wines:
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Swartberg Wingerde Holism Palomino 2023: This wine features fruit from 1966 own root vines, characterized by concentrated citrus, floral notes, fine spices, and a saltiness that reveals precision. Rated 95/100.
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Swartberg Wingerde Miracle Bush White 2023: A blend of Garnacha Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and some Palomino, with remarkable fruit intensity, purity, and a saline finish. Rated 96/100.
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Swartberg Wingerde Holism Garnacha 2024: Featuring both old (1966) and newer (2010) plantings, this wine boasts fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors highlighted by spice. Rated 95/100.
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Swartberg Wingerde Miracle Bush Red 2023: With a blend of Syrah and Garnacha, this rich wine presents ripe cherry and berry flavors with a layered complexity. Rated 95/100.
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Swartberg Wingerde Sangiro: Since 2017, Rudiger has crafted this Pinotage, which, while not his primary focus, showcases a delightful balance of fresh redcurrant, cherry, and nuanced oak. Rated 93/100.
For more information about his wines, visit Swartberg Wingerde.