Cederberg Private Cellar
In the mid-1800s a tough group of people set foot in the Cederberg ? the Nieuwoudt family. They first arrived in South Africa during the early 1700s and moved to the farm Dwarsrivier - which is also known as Cederberg Private Cellar and Sanddrif holiday resort. Before that, the San and Khoi peoples inhabited the Cederberg area from early times - leaving behind a rich legacy of their rock art for posterity. The farm itself is covered in unspoilt fynbos and since 2011 only 50,2 ha were put under vine.
Oom Pollie first started making wine for the farm workers with table grapes that ripened too late to be taken in by the nearest co-operative. This venture was so successful that he decided to try his hand at making red wine. In 1997 David Nieuwoudt returned to the land where he grew up and focused his efforts in the wine making industry.
All the water used on the farm comes from the Dwars River, which originates west of Sneeuberg Mountain and Cederberg Private Cellar is a committed member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative. The cold climate and remote location, with its pure mountain air and water ensures that the vines are virus free. At Cederberg Private Cellar, red wine production constitutes 60% of overall production, and white wine 40%.
With regard to white vine varieties the focus is on Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc and for red wine varieties on Cabernet sauvignon and Shiraz. Other cultivars on the farm include Bukettraube, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and Pinotage. Sauvignon Blanc grapes and Sémillon grapes from Elim are used for David Nieuwoudt?s Ghost Corner range.
Cederberg Private Cellar produces six ranges of wine ? Cederberg, which includes its signature Bukettraube; Five Generations; David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner; the Waitrose Foundation sustainable range; Cape Atlantic; and the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction wines.
