Vriesenhof / Paradyskloof

Vriesenhof wine farm lies nestled between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, in the magnificent Paradyskloof Valley. With its history dating back to the early eighteenth century, Vriesenhof currently has plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinotage and a small block of Pinot Noir.

Respected winemaker Jan Boland Coetzee produces three diverse ranges of wine under the labels Vriesenhof, Talana Hill and Paradyskloof.

Although the grapes for the three ranges all come from the Paradyskloof valley, the actual vineyards are worlds apart in terms of their soil structure, slope, sun aspects and microclimates, making each wine unique in its' own right.

The south facing slopes of the vineyards give Vriesenhof all the advantages needed to produce wines of character and quality. Situated at varying altitudes, they are exposed to the cool coastal breezes from False Bay and their soils consist mostly of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shale. The hilltop is home to Pinotage bush vines. The rich shale soil enhances the fruity flavours in the Pinotage grapes. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are planted on the sides of the slopes, whereas Pinot Noir is planted very low down on the south facing slopes, where there are less hours of sun. The combination of soil, rootstock and clonal selection - plus the understanding of meso and microclimates - are essential ingredients in growing grapes to produce quality wines with different and unique personalities.

Having established the Vriesenhof range, Jan went on to add the more accessible Paradyskloof range of uncomplicated, fun, easy-drinking wines. These wines originate from the vineyards of Vriesenhof together with grapes from neighbouring farms. Each of the vineyards that produce grapes for this range are specially selected and monitored throughout the year to maintain the quality of the grapes. Vriesenhof staff handpick the grapes and transport them to the cellar where they are vinified. The philosophy is that wines are made in the vineyard, however cellar technique is equally important. The wines are treated with immense care and dedication and display the highly individual characteristics of the Stellenbosch district. Although Paradyskloof wines are intended to be accessible and light-hearted, they exceed their expected level of quality by leaps and bounds.

A joint venture between Talana Hill and Vriesenhof was established in 1992. Talana Hill is the result of a collaboration of investment capital, professional expertise and great enthusiasm. The tiny 7,2 hectare property lies close to Vriesenhof in the heart of the Paradyskloof Valley. A sloping vineyard, it has spectacular views facing southwest and overlooking the Stellenbosch winelands with Table Mountain and False Bay in the distance.

The south-west facing triangular single vineyard is home to Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. The two red culitvars are located lower down in the vineyard - here there are more sedimentary elements woven into the gravelly soil, which has a clay sub-base. The first vines were planted in 1983 and yield quality fruit with an intense and unique flavour. Only single clones have been selected for this vineyard producing wines that are earthy, complex and uncompromising. These wines display the individual characteristics of their origin with flavours that evolve gracefully over time.