Perdeberg Wines – the home of Chenin Blanc
Perdeberg Wines is located at the foot of the Paardeberg near Paarl, in South Africa's Western Cape. The history of the winery dates back to 1941, when winemaker Jan Rossouw brought local farmers together with the idea of jointly producing wine. Perdeberg now boasts more than 3,000 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the Paarl and Swartland regions.
Perdeberg is primarily distinguished by its large proportion of dry-farmed vineyards: vineyards that are not artificially irrigated. The grapevines are entirely dependent on natural rainfall. It is precisely under these difficult conditions that the plants develop smaller grapes with great concentration, flavour, and structure.
Dry farming – grapevines that must fend for themselves
In a warm and dry climate like South Africa, it might sound strange not to irrigate grapevines. Yet, this is precisely one of Perdeberg's strengths.
The roots of the grapevines must penetrate deeper into the soil to find natural water. This results in smaller grapes with a higher concentration of aromas and colour. Perdeberg uses these grapes, among other things, for its special Dry Land Collection.
It is thus a good example of how difficult conditions can actually contribute to character in wine.
Perdeberg – Home of Chenin Blanc
Perdeberg is rightly called the "Home of Chenin Blanc". The winery has specialised heavily in this versatile South African grape and produces various styles from it, from fresh and fruity wines to complex, oaked and sparkling Chenin Blanc.
Some of the old Chenin Blanc vineyards are registered within the Old Vine Project, a South African initiative that aims to protect and promote old vineyards of at least 35 years old.
A good example is the Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc: the current 2025 vintage comes from 40-year-old, dry-farmed vines on weathered granite soils in Paarl.
More than just Chenin Blanc
Although Chenin Blanc is the main speciality, Perdeberg has a wide range. Among others, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir and Malbec are produced.
The typical South African Pinotage also has a place in the assortment. Perdeberg thus beautifully demonstrates that the vineyards of Paarl and Swartland are suitable for a wide range of grape varieties.
Old Vines
Perdeberg has a strong involvement with the Old Vine Project. Its aim is not only to preserve old vineyards but also to safeguard the stories behind these old vines.
The age of some vineyards is quite impressive. For instance, the Chenin Blanc for the Courageous Barrel-Fermented Chenin Blanc comes from a certified Heritage Vineyard that was planted as early as 1985.
Even more special is the Chenin Blanc Cap Classique 2022, sourced from a vineyard planted in 1977. Perdeberg calls this one of the very few certified old-vine Chenin bubbles.
Sustainability and nature
Perdeberg pays close attention to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Around the vineyards, one can find indigenous plants and animals, including proteas, native flowers, frogs, and various insects. The winery explicitly sees itself as a steward of the landscape in which the vineyards are located.
Additionally, key grape growers within the chain have Fairtrade accreditation, through which Perdeberg also addresses social and economic sustainability.
Fun fact
The name Perdeberg literally means "horse mountain," but the mountain was actually named after zebras. In the past, large groups of Cape Mountain Zebras roamed here. Local residents mistook the animals for wild horses, and thus the name Paardeberg was born. Perdeberg derives its name directly from this mountain.
Discover the wines of Perdeberg
At Vechtstreek Wijnen, you will find various wines from Perdeberg in South Africa. Especially discover the characterful Chenin Blancs and other wines from the unique dry-farmed vineyards around Paarl and the Paardeberg.