Background

To some, a family tradition of winemaking that stretches back close to two centuries may seem extraordinary. In the cellar it translates simply into the crafting of selected grapes by a passionate team who take time to create fine wines worthy of the Dellrust name.

The Dellrust slogan, A family tradition with a difference - from the heart of the Cape winelands, is more than a motto. It's a lifestyle conveyed to every visitor who passes through the gates of the Dellrust farm and drives along its vineyard-lined road.

The Bredell family has been farming the fertile land of the Helderberg valley since the early 1800's. It was in 1863 that Johan Bredell purchased Lower Rustenburg. Today, more than five generations later, this land - comprising of 90 hectares of vineyards - is known as Dellrust Wines and is owned by Albert Bredell.

Like his ancestor's of more than two centuries ago, Albert has nurtured the fertile valley in his wine endeavours. Situated on the south-easterly facing slopes, the Dellrust vineyards benefit from the long sunny days the Cape is known and loved for, and enjoy the cool sea breezes from the nearby pristine shores of False Bay. The perfect harmony between Nature's elements, combined with the management and passion of its winemaker and owner, excellent grapes and a devoted winemaking team, set the stage for the exceptional wines crafted on the farm.

The historic cellar, with its modern façade added in recent years, has a long history that binds it to a solid tradition derived from the farmers who have spent many, many seasons cultivating the young vines to robust adulthood. The first homestead on the farm was built in 1800. This was replaced by a bigger and more impressive house in 1889. With its big reception rooms and lush garden, the house has stood witness to changing times and, renovated, still proudly graces the farm today. In 1915 the original homestead was converted into a winecellar. This cellar was refurbished and restored in 1998, incorporating some of the historic features.

In this cellar, the winemakers have the run of a 650-ton capacity cellar and focus their attention mainly on producing quality red wines. Only a small amount of white grapes are crushed on the farm, to be fermented into the farm's famous Dellrust Sauvignon Blanc 2005, which has garnered no less than three stars in the authoritative John Platter wine guide, and Dellrust Steen & Groen 2005, a two-star performer in the same guide. The bulk of the white grapes are still sold to KWV, one of the biggest wine buyers in the country.

The cellar also produces 450 000 litres of exceptional quality red wine for KWV and other potential buyers.

Today, Dellrust boasts about 80% red varieties such as Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tinta Barocca and Cinsaut. The white varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Semillon.

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