Our Producers
Rustenberg
Rustenberg's wine-growing history goes back over 300 years to 1682. Wine has been bottled at the estate for an
unbroken period since 1892.
Previous owners include John X Merriman (in 1892) who was to become the Prime Minister of the Cape. In 1941
Peter and Pamela Barlow bought Rustenberg and their son Simon took over running the farm in 1987. In the last
20 years the estate has transformed from distinguished producer on the local scene to a new era South African
standard setter on the international stage.
Rustenberg's website has a series of excellent short videos, with cameo appearances from both winery and vineyard teams, chronicling the harvest.
www.rustenberg.co.za
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Green Credentials
www.rustenberg.co.za
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Green Credentials
- Profile
- Region
Rustenberg has a wine-growing history dating back to 1682, when settler Roelof Pasman, from the wine region of Meurs near the Rhine in Germany, recognised the potential of the rich, red granite soils of the Simonsberg. The estate flourished, reaching its peak in the 1820s, only to fall victim to phylloxera and the ensuing recession in the second half of the century. Peter and Pamela Barlow purchased Rustenberg in 1940, and the regeneration of this illustrious estate began, replanting new vineyards, enlarging and updating cellars, even installing an electricity-driven crusher thanks to the new power line now serving the farm. Their son, Simon, took over running the farm in 1987 and is the force behind the 21st century Rustenberg.
From 1910 - 1994 Reginald Merriman Nicholson was chief wine maker for Rustenberg.
Reg, as most people knew him, was probably the most charismatic person ever to have owned and worked the soils of this precious valley. He passed away in 1994.
From 1910 - 1994 Reginald Merriman Nicholson was chief wine maker for Rustenberg.
Reg, as most people knew him, was probably the most charismatic person ever to have owned and worked the soils of this precious valley. He passed away in 1994.
The farm sits in a natural amphitheatre, with the granite peaks of the Simonsberg towering behind. Vineyards producing the grapes for Rustenberg and Brampton wines climb the rich red slopes of the Simonsberg and Helderberg. A range of slopes and aspects allows site-specific plantings that enhance varietal characteristics. Vineyards have been rejuvenated with a mix of virus-free clones in all cultivars on the best root stocks. A small scale nursery has been started for propagation, providing available root stock for upgrading, replanting and experimentation. Controlled irrigation is used when necessary to alleviate stress and maximise quality. All grapes are hand-picked in the cool of the early morning and all vineyard blocks vinified separately, then blended for added complexity.