The origins of today's estate are closely linked to Paul Boutinot. Since 1993 he had been searching for a site capable of producing wines with a clearly recognisable sense of origin, and he acquired the property in 2003. The first vintage bottled under the Waterkloof name followed in 2005. In 2009, a modern gravity-flow cellar together with tasting and restaurant facilities opened on the Schapenberg.

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Depending on the parcel, the vineyards reach elevations of around 300 metres. Sandstone and weathered granite form the main geological foundations. The stony soils provide good drainage while deeper layers can retain moisture. Strong south-easterly winds restrict vine growth and yields. At the same time, the maritime influence extends the ripening period and supports a combination of ripe fruit, natural acidity and spicy freshness.

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Waterkloof farms its vineyards according to organic and regenerative principles. Estate compost, cover crops, minimal soil disturbance and the avoidance of chemical herbicides and pesticides are intended to support soil life and vine resilience. Cattle, sheep and working horses are integrated into the farming cycle. Around half of the property is devoted to protecting fynbos and other elements of the Cape's exceptionally diverse native flora.

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The estate also follows a restrained approach in the cellar. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted before being handled as gently as possible through the gravity-flow system. Depending on the wine, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, whole bunches, open wooden fermenters, older French barrels and extended maturation are used selectively. Technical intervention is kept limited so that grape variety, vineyard and vintage remain visible in the finished wine.

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The range is divided into several lines. Circumstance wines focus on individual grape varieties and vineyard conditions, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre. Circle of Life combines different varieties and parcels in a white and a red blend. Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc and Cinsault offer a fresh, early-drinking style, while the Waterkloof bottlings and the Cabernet Franc-led blend Boreas are made from particularly selected lots.

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Waterkloof stands for a cooler, linear style from the coastal part of Stellenbosch. The wines often combine citrus fruit, herbs, flowers and mineral notes with fine texture or spicy red fruit. At Vin Africa, Waterkloof adds characterful wines whose style is closely linked to the windswept slopes of the Schapenberg and the estate's nature-focused farming.