Background

Nordale Wine Cellar was established on 30 June 1950 with nine founder members. In those days the total yield was sold as rebate wines for distillation, but since cold fermentation was introduced in 1965 and the vineyards upgraded with noble cultivars, a significant portion of the harvest has been used for winemaking. It didn’t take long for the wines of Nordale to find their way into the hearts and collections of wine lovers.

The major cultivars received at Nordale Wine Cellar include Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadel, Chenel and Emerald Riesling. Red cultivars include Ruby Cabernet, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut.

The fact that the Robertson Valley produces the very best Chardonnay and Muscadel wines in South Africa year after year is certainly no coincidence. This valley has been blessed with consistent summer temperatures of between 20°C and 21°C, an average annual rainfall of 250mm and light humidity, which are counteracted by cool evenings and gentle breezes. The colder Klein Karoo winter nights ensure healthy vines, while the rich alluvial soil along the banks of the Breede River and fairly compact clay and shale higher up also play an important role in production of fine wines.

“Bonnievale has a way of making you feel at home, no matter where you’re from” says Emile Schoch, the manager at Nordal Wine Cellar. And indeed, the wines of this cellar typify this picturesque Boland town : unpretentious, sociable and full of character. Unique wines whose reputation has reached the export markets of Europe.

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