A week ago I had the privilege of joining Zandvliet Wine Estate for their 50th harvest celebration. And what a special day it was!
The year 2025 marks a historic milestone for Zandvliet Wine Estate in the Breede River Valley, as it celebrates a half-century of harvests. Giving even greater weight to the event is this year’s vintage, which was preceded by some of the rarestclimatic events and quite possible wines to match.
This fact prompts Jacques Cilliers, Zandvliet’s esteemed winemaker since 2011 and only the fourth winemaker in the farm’s history, to ask: “Could 2025 be a vintage for the record books?”
Renowned for its exceptional Shiraz, Zandvliet has become synonymous with excellence in South African winemaking.
“It is an incredible privilege to be harvesting Zandvliet’s 50th vintage,” says Jacques. “The legacy of this farm is deeply rooted in the land, and I am honoured to continue crafting wines that reflect its unique terroir and history.”
Celebrating 50 Harvests with Zandvliet Wine Estate
As for the 2025 harvest, Jacques says the season’s growing conditions have conspired once again to make this historic year another of Zandvliet’s much anticipated vintages. The hallmarks of the growing season, however, make a long-term forecast on just how good, difficult.
There were very good Easter rains, traditionally regarded as the first sign of a good Cape winter. Rain only returned months later and with a vengeance. The usually docile Breede River burst its banks, reaching its 100-year flood level in July.
Then in August, the valley experienced one of the coldest weeks in history with some areas recording -4°C. Jacques, on a trip, spied the region from the air. Mountains were covered in snow as far as the eye could see, he recalls.
At Zandvliet, budding commenced almost 40 days later than usual – one of the latest starts since Jacques’s time at the farm. “What does it all mean?” he asks. “We must remain patient!”
The Zandvliet portfolio is available for purchase from the online shop at www.zandvliet.co.za
Zandvliet Wine Estate is located near the village of Ashton, off the R60.
