Aaldering Vineyards & Wines in Stellenbosch
Aaldering Vineyards & Wines is located in the Devon Valley west of the town of Stellenbosch. The winery lies in a sheltered hilly landscape with its own microclimate and well-drained soils. The vineyards grow mainly on red, loamy-sandy Hutton and Clovelly soils derived from weathered granite, characteristic soil formations in this part of Stellenbosch.
Aaldering's story began in 2004, when Dutch couple Marianne and Fons Aaldering acquired a 27-hectare property in the Devon Valley. From the outset, their goal was not only to grow grapes but also to produce the wines themselves. Over the following years, vineyards were restructured, grape varieties planted in suitable sites and a dedicated winery established. Today Aaldering describes its estate as comprising around 24 hectares of vineyards and operational land.
Pinotage plays a special role. Aaldering presents the South African grape variety in unusually diverse styles. Alongside the barrel-matured Estate Pinotage there is Lady M, a Pinotage deliberately matured without oak, an almost white Pinotage Blanc and a Pinotage Rosé. This shows not only the grape's powerful, dark-fruited side but also its ability to produce fresh and significantly lighter wines.
Estate Pinotage is designed for structure and ageing potential, combining red and dark fruit with spicy and earthy notes. Lady M, named after Marianne Aaldering, is made entirely without barrel maturation. The current vintage comes from a south-east-facing Pinotage parcel on weathered granite at elevations of around 110 to 160 metres. As a result, the wine remains more strongly shaped by fruit, natural acidity and soft tannins.
White grape varieties are also an established part of the range. Sauvignon Blanc shows the fresh, herbal and mineral side of the Devon Valley, while Chardonnay has more body and texture. Pinotage Blanc is a speciality of the estate. The red wines are complemented by Shiraz and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Aaldering also offers Florence, a second line of more approachable blends and varietal wines.
Today, winemaker Jaco Parson is responsible for wine production. The grapes for the estate wines are hand-harvested and selected both in the vineyard and during processing. Aaldering combines modern cellar technology with a clear focus on the individual grape varieties and the conditions of the Devon Valley.
Aaldering is therefore particularly interesting for wine lovers who want to discover Stellenbosch beyond classic Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Pinotage forms the heart of the estate but is interpreted with unusual versatility. At Vin Africa you will find Aaldering wines from the Devon Valley that reflect this distinctive side of Stellenbosch very well.