The Farm

The farm was first demarcated and sold, as Remhoogte Farm, by the Stellenbosch municipality in 1812 to Johannes J. Hamman. The farm then changed hands twice over the next 180 years before being purchased by Murray Boustred in the early nineties.

Remhoogte is a dutch name that means, literally, ‘Brake heights’. This is because in the days when oxwagons were used they needed to apply their brakes so as not to roll down the steep hills or ‘heights’ of Remhoogte. The farm is 60 ha in total with 30 ha planted with vineyards.

The farm layout has changed significantly since it was purchased by Murray. The lower lying vineyards have been removed and left fallow for wildlife (Zebras, Wildebeest, Bontebok & Springbok) and the rare and indigenous vegetation of the cape, fynbos. The higher and steeper slopes (from where the name is derived) have subsequently been planted with vines. Slopes previously uncultivateable due to their steep gradient, now account for some of the best grapes, and thus wines, on the estate.

The farm is planted with Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and the only white vineyard, and the oldest vineyard a 22 year old block of Chenin Blanc. All the vineyards are planted on cool South and South West facing slopes. The prevailing wind in the summer comes out of the South East off the cool atlantic ocean to cool the grapes and to allow for longer ripening periods.

The first wine was made on Remhoogte in 1995 by Murray with the help of then winemaker at Morgenhof, Jean Daneel. This was when Remhoogte became an estate, which it remains proudly to this day. All wines are grown, made and bottled on the farm.

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