Viticulture

Rietvallei Estate spans 215 hectares, with just over 100 hectares currently under vine.

Currently, 65% of the vineyards are dedicated to white cultivars, with reds making up the remaining 35%. Rietvallei cultivates a range of classic noble varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Shiraz and of course the iconic Red Muscadel. A true treasure of the estate, the historic 1908 Red Muscadel vineyard—planted as bush vines in 1908—covers approximately a quarter of a hectare.

Nestled away from urban pollution, these vines thrive in the pristine Klein Karoo air. Cool morning mists blanket the vineyards, while a refreshing breeze from the distant Indian Ocean late afternoons ensures slow, even ripening, allowing the grapes to develop rich, concentrated flavors.

The Soil.

Rietvallei’s soils are perfectly suited for viticulture—well-drained, lime-rich and boasting a high pH. The estate's diverse terroir ranges from red calcareous clay-loam to deep calcareous loam, rocky outcrops, and sandy alluvial soils, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines.