Nederburg, a much admired and widely exported brand, is one of South Africa’s longest-running wineries. It has outlived more than 11 generations and, in recent years, has taken a leading role in adapting to climate change.
Since the early 20th century, Nederburg’s international award-winning reputation has continued to grow – a testimony to a unique combination of courage and curiosity in finding ways to become better.
Founder, Philippus Wolvaart of German ancestry acquired his Paarl farm in 1791, naming it Nederburgh (the “h” was subsequently dropped from the spelling.). It took years of backbreaking work and a resolute vision to establish his vineyards, and later an impressive family home. You can see the date, 1800 proudly emblazoned on the gable of the iconic, classical Cape Dutch building, known as The Manor.
Set against the imposing Drakenstein Mountains and shaded by ancient trees, The Manor, a national monument, stands as an enduring symbol of beauty, longevity and gracious hospitality.
Wolvaart’s courage to innovate, prompted by a curiosity in the world around him has inspired many of the winery’s outstanding winemakers. Twentieth century figures such as Johann and Arnold Graue and later, Günter Brözel, who brought to South Africa for the first time, the coveted Robert Mondavi Trophy for the World’s Best Winemaker, in 1985 are amongst them. This century there has been Razvan Macici, under whose leadership Nederburg won Platter’s South African Wine Guide Winery of the Year in 2011 and many other accolades.
Again, in 2017, Nederburg was honoured with the same award by the Platter’s judging panel, this time under the direction of Andrea Freeborough.
Today’s cellarmaster, Samuel Viljoen, continues the tradition. Nederburg has featured on the annual Drinks International list of the 50 World’s Most Admired Brands no fewer than six times. Viljoen has also been ranked as one of the World’s Top 100 Winemakers by the same publication.