Vineyards:

Kalmoesfontein

A mix of old vines, some dating as far back as the 1960s, these dryland bush vines force their roots deep into decomposed granite soils, so fine this inland vineyard resemble beach sand.

Jakkalsfontein

Grown on a mixture of clay and koffieklip (an Afrikaans moniker for the granitic soil's resemblance to ground coffee), the rockiness of this vineyard jumps out of the glass. A combination of trellised and bush vine Syrah, this young vineyard has its eye firmly trained on Swartland’s future.

Koplandsteen

Whilst the rest of Stellenbosch is known for its flash and fancy, the Bottelary region, a mere 15 minute drive from Stellenbosch center, remains a rustic place of true farmers. Deceptively high in altitude, a unique ridge of shale in this vineyard gives this wine a rounded elegance in a predominantly granitic area, allowing for a richer, more gentle expression of old bush vine Chenin that exudes sunshine and orange peel. 

Philosophy: 

Dalkeith celebrates the honesty and life of places and the people that tend them. Bonded by decades of friendship and an appreciation for the raw ruggedness of place, our grapes are sourced from three distinct sites: Adi Badenhorst owned Kalmoesfontein and Jakkelsfontein in the Swartland, and the du Bois family Koplandsteen from Bottelary, Stellenbosch. These are unpretentious places previously overlooked by many, yet, under the hands of these real sout van die aarde farmers, have been coaxed onto the world stage as sites for phenomenally fine wines.

Wanting to shine a spotlight on these extraordinary vineyards, Dalkeith’s focus has always been on the grape. Staying true to their origins’ considered farming practices, there’s no fancy pretence in the cellar — the wines simply won’t allow you to make them any other way. Using a minimal winemaking approach without heavy techniques or frills, our wines are aged in a combination of ceramic, amphora and old, neutral wood with the intention of keeping the wine as pure as possible. 

The wines of Dalkeith are honest and uncomplicated, yet deliciously complex. Whilst you cannot help but take them seriously, these world-class wines are made to be accessible at an early age, shifting the perspective of premium South African wines. We urge you not to postpone your enjoyment, but to pour these wines into your nearest glass. The stories of these wines are made to be told.