De Zoete Inval, near Paarl, is a paragon of the Boland’s traditional family estate. The Frater family has been making wine here for more than 115 years and today, brothers Gerard & John Robert Frater, the fifth generation on the estate, continue to produce fine wines of singular character, an art developed through 3 centuries.
TRADITION SETS THE PACE
The tasting room is managed exclusively by the family and we offer our personal attention, opinions and advice when asked for, but most importantly, more smiles and good value for money - especially when it comes to well aged Cabernets.
DE ZOETE INVAL HISTORY
De Zoete Inval was originally granted by Simon van der Stel in 1688 to Hercules des Pres (Hercules of the Meadows). Robert Frater arrived here in 1878 to find the original cellar (which today houses the tasting room) and vineyards in production on the farm. For many years, Port was made for KWV, the highlight of which was the General Smuts trophy for the grand champion wine of the South African Wine Show in 1955.
Cabernet Sauvignon was planted on quite a big scale and with some pre-1920 vineyards, dry red wines have been produced on De Zoete Inval. More Chardonnay have been planted and some interesting white wines are made which last five to six years.
Adrian Robert Frater passed away in August 2000. His wife Suna, sons Gerard, John Robert and daughter Yogi are continuing on the farm.
New planting of Shiraz, Merlot and Petit Verdot will be planted in August 2001.
WINE TASTING CENTRE
The wine tasting centre occupies the original farm cellar which was in use when the Frater family came to De Zoete Inval in 1878. It was subsequently transformed into the manor house. In 1991 it was converted into a tasting centre which resembles a bar complete with fireplace and underfloor heating for the winter months.
De Zoete Inval’s tasting centre has become a popular meeting place for family, friends and visitors.
De Zoete Inval Estate - Frater Family Wines
