2025: A Year of Excellence, Innovation and Gratitude
A Message from De Villiers Graaff
As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year defined by growth, remarkable achievements, and the unwavering support of our customers, partners, and friends around the world. De Grendel is built on a legacy of stewardship and a commitment to pushing boundaries while honouring our heritage and this year, perhaps more than ever, demonstrated the power of that philosophy.
A Milestone Moment: The Launch of De Tijger Merlot
One of the standout highlights of our year was the introduction of De Tijger Merlot, an ode to the Tygerberg mountain whose slopes cradle our vineyards. This launch signifies not only a new chapter for De Grendel but also reaffirms our passion and long-standing focus on crafting exceptional Merlot. The enthusiastic reception to De Tijger Merlot has been deeply encouraging, and it strengthens our belief that Merlot from our terroir can stand confidently amongst the world’s finest.
A Landmark Year for Awards
Our winemaking team delivered extraordinary results across global and local competitions. Some of the highlights that we proudly celebrated:
Michelangelo International Wine Awards
• Sauvignon Blanc 2025 – Platinum
• Rubaiyat 2020 – Platinum
• Amandelboord Pinotage 2023 – Double Gold
• Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – Double Gold
Shiraz SA Wine Challenge – Top 12
• Op Die Berg Syrah 2022
• Op Die Berg Syrah 2023
• Shiraz 2021
Decanter World Wine Awards
• Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2024 – 96 Points / Gold
• Rubaiyat 2020 – 95 Points / Gold
Tim Atkin South Africa Report
• Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2024 – 94 Points
• Amandelboord Pinotage 2023 – 93 Points
• Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – 93 Points
• Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 2023 – 93 Points
Trophy Wine Show
• Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2024 – 97 Points / Gold
Winemag 10-Year-Old Wine Report
• Sauvignon Blanc 2015 – 95 Points / Top 10
Winemag Shiraz Report
• Op Die Berg Syrah 2022 – 93 Points / Top 10
• Op Die Berg Syrah 2023 – 95 Points / Top 10
These accolades are testament to the dedication of everyone involved, from our vineyard stewards to our cellar team, and we are honoured to see our wines recognised on the world stage.
Taking De Grendel to the World
This year, our team proudly showcased our wines in Namibia, the Netherlands, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Dubai, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Mauritius, and beyond. We also met many of you at Cape Wine 2025, the flagship wine trade show for South Africa and the largest, most prestigious event of its kind in the country, strengthening relationships across the industry.
We're also incredibly proud of the launch of the Waitrose No.1 De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc, exclusively available at Waitrose in the UK.
A particularly memorable moment was our special Winemaker’s Dinner at De Grendel Restaurant earlier this month, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Together with Cellar Master Charles Hopkins and Jan’s team, our culinary team crafted an extraordinary menu inspired by Jan, a celebration of creativity, flavour, and craftsmanship. On this special evening, Jan Hendrik and Charles shared their insights and stories, exploring the harmony between food, wine, and the creative spirit that defines South African excellence.
Honouring Earth Day: Partnering with SANCCOB
Sustainability remains one of our guiding pillars. For this year’s Earth Day, we shifted our focus to supporting SANCCOB, (The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) whose critical work in seabird conservation aligns deeply with our values of environmental responsibility and care for local ecosystems. SANCCOB has been working tirelessly since 1968 to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, oiled, and orphaned seabirds, with the Critically Endangered African Penguin at the heart of their mission.
In April and May De Grendel donated R3 for every bottle of wine sold online to support SANCCOB’s life-saving work, from hand-rearing penguin chicks and incubating eggs to emergency rescues and education programmes that reach thousands every year.
Sustainability: Innovating for a Greener Future
At De Grendel, sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s a guiding principle that shapes everything we do. This year, our focus on regenerative farming has continued to deepen, as we seek to enhance soil health, encourage biodiversity, and work in harmony with the natural rhythms of our land.
One of the most exciting innovations in 2025 was the use of drone technology to sow cover crops. These cover crops are crucial for protecting and enriching the soil: they prevent erosion, improve nutrient cycling, and create a living mulch that supports healthy vines. By employing drones, we were able to plant these crops more efficiently and with minimal soil disturbance, a high-tech solution that complements our hands-on, traditional approach to viticulture.
Our vineyard ecosystem is further strengthened by the presence of our resident turkeys, who are thriving under our care. Beyond being part of the farm’s unique charm, they play an important role in natural pest control, foraging through the vineyards and helping manage insects in a completely chemical-free way. Their presence is a beautiful reminder that sustainability at De Grendel is as much about working with nature as it is about producing exceptional wine.
Through these initiatives, blending innovation, traditional stewardship, and a respect for the environment, we continue to ensure that our vineyards are healthy, resilient, and vibrant, not just for today’s harvest, but for generations to come.
Giveaways & Creative Collaborations
One of the standout moments of 2025 was our Le Creuset & De Grendel Giveaway, where one lucky winner received a R10 000 Le Creuset voucher and R10 000 worth of De Grendel wines. It was a festive highlight that brought excitement to our audience and offered a luxurious way to celebrate the season.
This year also saw an incredible wave of collaborations with talented content creators, chefs, photographers, and storytellers who helped bring the spirit of De Grendel to life in new and inspiring ways. From beautifully crafted recipes to cinematic reels capturing our vineyards, wildlife, farm tours, Restaurant, and Tasting Room, each collaboration showcased a different facet of what makes De Grendel so special.
We’re grateful for every creator who helped share our story in 2025, and for everyone who engaged, watched, cooked along, and discovered something new about our estate. If you’d like to explore some of these highlights, head over to our Instagram page to view the videos and creator features.
A Fond Farewell to a Friend
It is with heartfelt sadness that we bade farewell to our beloved Head Chef, Ian Bergh, who passed away earlier this year.
Since 2012, Ian played a pivotal role in shaping De Grendel Restaurant, leaving an enduring mark through his talent, passion, and unwavering dedication.
Beyond his exceptional culinary skills, Ian’s warmth, humour, and generosity touched everyone around him. He will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude, and we miss him dearly.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him this festive season.
Looking Ahead
As we close the year, I am filled with gratitude for our customers who choose our wines for their homes and celebrations, for our import partners and trade colleagues who champion our brand globally, and for our entire team whose unwavering dedication makes everything possible.
May the joyful season bring you rest and moments shared with those you hold dear. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm over the festive season and sharing many more memorable moments with you in 2026.
Warm regards
De Villiers Graaff