In 2002, American Property Tycoon Preston Haskell IV immediately saw the potential of Dombeya Farm at auction and renaming the farm Haskell Vineyards, the central focus became the creation of unique, terroir-driven wines that would be recognized amongst the finest of their style produced in South Africa.
After many successful years making wine for Morgenhof, Rianie Strydom joined Haskell Vineyards as Winemaker and General Manager in 2004. Passionate about making wine and with exceptionally high standards, Rianie quickly set about putting Haskell Vineyards on the map, competing at the Tri-Nations Challenge held in Sydney, Australia in 2009, effortlessly scooping up awards for ‘Best Shiraz’, ‘Best Red Wine’ and ‘Best Wine of Show’ with Haskell Pillars Syrah 2007, pitted against the best South African, Australian and New Zealand entrants. Known as someone who strives for perfection, Rianie achieved ‘Best Upcoming Vineyard’ by Wine Magazine, and was the first woman to be given membership of the distinguished Cape Winemakers Guild.
These days the Haskell Vineyards estate of 23 hectares has 14 hectares planted under vine, with grape varietals including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz, all under the watchful eye of Rudolph Steenkamp who took over from Rianie in 2018. Approximately up to 60 000 bottles a year, half of which is sold within South Africa, the remainder exported throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and America.
Continuing Rianie’s approach of passion and hard work, Rudolph has exciting and innovative plans for the wines, and with the idea of creating wine true to terroir expression one has to return to the simplest form of viticulture; farming the soil and not the vine. It is therefore of the utmost importance to Haskell Vineyards to move towards organic farming methods in keeping with our philosophy and commitment to the excellence of Haskell wines.
In September 2018 Rudolph took over as Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Haskell Vineyards, and to date has made a positive impact on the farm. With new energy, passion and creativity he believes one has to return to the simplest forms of viticulture, farming the soil and not the vine, to achieve even better quality and greater depth of our already excellent Haskell and Dombeya wines. In a concise and measured way, Rudolph will convert into organic farming, a not insignificant lifestyle decision for Haskell Vineyards. This decision will not only create wines that satisfy wine lovers and connoisseurs around the world, but will also have a positive impact on the environment for us, our children and their children.
Dombeya Wine Range
To honour the original farm, our lifestyle range of wines bears the Dombeya name. The Dombeya tree, native to South Africa, has extraordinarily beautiful flowers which herald in South Africa’s spring season. Dotted around our vineyards these trees embrace the cycle of regeneration and renewal, a fitting symbol of modern-day South Africa. Our Dombeya portfolio consists of 5 wines; a varietal range of Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and a Reserve range with Boulder Road Shiraz and the Bordeaux-style Fenix.
Haskell Wine Range
The first wines produced under the Haskell label came from the stellar 2007 vintage, albeit in small quantities. Since this time Haskell Vineyards have been awarded the prestigious 5-star accolade by John Platter, South Africa’s most significant wine publication. It was also chosen as the first ever South African winery, since the inception of the Tri-Nations Challenge, to win Best Syrah, Best Red Wine and Best Wine of the Show in the 2009 competition, where the finest South African wines are pitched against the best Australia and New Zealand have to offer.
Haskell Vineyards Self Catering Accommodation
The Residence & the Cottage at Haskell Vineyards are set in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain and within 9 km from the De Zalze Golf Estate. Located in a secluded space, surrounded by vines, both homes offer tranquility and stunning mountain views. The historical city centre of Stellenbosch is a 15 minute drive, and the neighbouring countryside offers the nature lover outstanding opportunities to hike and explore the mountains in this beautiful part of South Africa.
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