Oldenburg Vineyards

Set in the dramatic Banghoek Valley outside Stellenbosch, Oldenburg Vineyards has emerged as one of South Africa’s distinctive terroir-focused estates, built around the remarkable Rondekop hill at the heart of its vineyards. Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, the estate sits at elevations reaching over 400 metres, where cooling influences, ancient soils and significant day-to-night temperature variation help produce wines of freshness, structure and precision.

The modern Oldenburg story began in 2003, when proprietor Adrian Vanderspuy acquired the farm after commissioning detailed studies of its soils, climate, rainfall and vineyard potential. The vineyards were extensively replanted, and the first experimental wines followed in 2007, with Cabernet Franc immediately demonstrating the potential of the site. Vanderspuy remains proprietor today, while winemaking is led by Nic van Aarde.

Oldenburg’s philosophy centres on what it calls the “8 Natural Elements” influencing Rondekop, including the surrounding mountain ranges, elevation, cooling winds, Atlantic and Indian Ocean influences and ancient soils of weathered granite and Table Mountain sandstone. Vineyard management increasingly follows regenerative principles, focusing on healthier soils, biodiversity and long-term ecosystem resilience. The estate is recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion.

The portfolio includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, alongside carefully composed blends. At the pinnacle is the limited-production Rondekop Series, including Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon, Stone Axe Syrah and Rhodium, a Bordeaux-style blend.

Minimal cellar intervention, careful harvesting and gentle extraction define the winemaking approach, resulting in polished yet expressive wines that balance concentrated fruit with freshness, fine tannins and a clear reflection of their Banghoek origins.

Buy Oldenburg Vineyards wine below.