Waterford Estate

Waterford Estate sits on the slopes of Helderberg Mountain in the Blaauwklippen Valley, one of Stellenbosch's most distinctive sub-appellations. The 120-hectare property encompasses soils of ancient granite, shale, sandstone, decomposed granite, and red clay Hutton deposits, the product of over 600 million years of geological evolution. North-facing slopes capture warmth while ocean breezes from nearby False Bay provide consistent cooling, creating the balance that defines the estate's structured, terroir-driven style.

• Located in Blaauwklippen Valley on Helderberg Mountain slopes in Stellenbosch
• Soil types include ancient granite, shale, sandstone, and red Hutton clay
• Mediterranean climate moderated by cooling bay breezes from ocean proximity
• 70 hectares dedicated to conservation and natural fynbos flora

Jeremy Ord and Kevin Arnold established Waterford on April 1, 1998, on land that had previously formed part of the Stellenrust property. The winery officially opened in April 2000 under the name Waterford Winery before being renamed Waterford Estate following the granting of Estate status. Kevin Arnold led winemaking from the outset, with Gunter Schultz serving as winemaker from 2001 to 2003 and Francois Haasbroek from 2004 to 2012. Mark le Roux holds the position of Cellar Master today. The estate's flagship wine, The Jem, was introduced in 2006 with the 2004 vintage. In January 2004, the Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2001 was served at Oprah Winfrey's 50th birthday celebration.

• Founded April 1, 1998; officially opened as Waterford Winery in April 2000
• Estate status granted; name changed to Waterford Estate
• The Jem flagship blend debuted with the 2004 vintage, released 2006
• Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2001 served at Oprah Winfrey's 50th birthday in January 2004

Waterford grows an exceptionally diverse range of varieties across its 50 planted hectares, spanning Bordeaux staples, Rhône varieties, Italian grapes, and Iberian cultivars. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec form the Bordeaux backbone, while Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre represent the Rhône. Sangiovese, Barbera, and Tempranillo bring Italian and Spanish character to the portfolio. The sole white variety on the main estate is Chardonnay, with vines planted in 1988, while Heritage Chenin Blanc vines from 1966 contribute to the white wine range. Winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention and terroir expression, producing structured, age-worthy wines.

• 15 varieties planted including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo
• Estate Chardonnay vines planted 1988; Heritage Chenin Blanc from 1966
• Minimal intervention winemaking focused on terroir expression
• Bordeaux-style blends anchor the premium red wine range

Tim Atkin MW classified Waterford Estate as a 'first growth' within South Africa in 2019, placing it among the country's most distinguished producers. The estate has also been included among the world's top 100 vineyards. The Jem, the multi-variety flagship blend, has received 97 points from Tim Atkin MW, a 5-star Platter's rating, and ranks in the top 1% of wines on Vivino. The estate's commitment to quality has been recognized through WWF Conservation Champions Award and triple certification under IPW, WIETA, and BWI standards.

• Designated a South African 'first growth' by Tim Atkin MW in 2019
• The Jem: 97 points Tim Atkin MW, 5-star Platter's, top 1% on Vivino
• Listed among the world's top 100 vineyards
• WWF Conservation Champions Award recipient

Regenerative farming practices underpin operations at Waterford, including the use of Dexter cattle for natural soil management and a water capture and recycling system designed to support sustainable viticulture. Beyond wine production, the estate offers a range of visitor experiences: a Wine Drive Safari, a Porcupine Trail Wine Walk, and the SALT restaurant for gourmet dining. The Wine and Chocolate pairing experience, created in partnership with chocolatier Richard von Geusau in 2006, was the first of its kind in South Africa. The estate's Mediterranean and Cape-Tuscan architectural design provides the backdrop for all of these activities.

• Dexter cattle used for regenerative, natural soil management
• Water capture and recycling system supports sustainable viticulture
• Pioneered Wine and Chocolate pairing in South Africa in 2006 with Richard von Geusau
• Visitor experiences include Wine Drive Safari, Porcupine Trail Wine Walk, and SALT restaurant