Barry Anderson had believed for a long time in the potential of the farm, and when he showed it to Bernhard Heyns for the first time in 2001, Gabrielskloof was born. They planted the first vines in 2002 with cultivars carefully chosen to match the terroir. These are Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, and Mouvedre, Shiraz, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Together with award-winning winemaker Kobie Viljoen, the team have crushed its first vintage in its brand-new cellar in 2009.

Quality underpins everything at Gabriëlskloof starting with the virus free vineyards. One of the most important characteristics of the estate is its isolation from other established vineyards, giving the viticulturist the opportunity to keep clean, virus free vines.

The proximity to the sea, as well as the altitude of over 200 m, ensures cool maritime breezes during the growing season and low temperatures. The rolling hills outside Botrivier offer diverse slopes and pockets of Bokkeveld shale and Table Mountain sandstone and a variety of terroir to suit even the most demanding varietals.

There is some amazing bird watching to be done on the farm – we are most proud of the flocks of Blue Crane that have made themselves at home here.

The restaurant and deli, which are independently owned, provide superb cuisine and also sells olives and olive oil that are produced by the farm.