Driving through the misty orchards of Elgin Valley, I arrived at Almenkerk Wine Estate, where the air carried the scent of apples and the promise of exceptional wines. As a wine enthusiast for CapeVineMaster.co.za, my visit to this family-owned boutique winery was a deep dive into South Africa’s cool-climate viticulture. Founded in 2004 by Belgian-Dutch couple Natalie and Joris van Almenkerk, Almenkerk is a testament to passion, precision, and a zest for life, crafting award-winning wines that capture the valley’s unique terroir. From its modern cellar nestled against the mountainside to its elegant vintages and a tasting room that feels like a warm embrace, Almenkerk is a standout—though a few tweaks could elevate its charm. Join me as I uncork the estate’s story, its vines, its wines, and the experiences that make it a must-visit in the Western Cape.
A Legacy of Adventure and Craft
Almenkerk’s journey began in 2002, when Natalie Opstaele and Joris van Almenkerk left Belgium for South Africa, chasing a dream of winemaking. Joris, whose father Joep had settled in the Cape, honed his skills at Mulderbosch winery while Natalie worked in hospitality to make ends meet. In 2004, with family support, they purchased Jutland, a 36-hectare apple farm in Elgin, guided by experts who saw its potential for cool-climate viticulture. Joris enrolled at Stellenbosch University to master winemaking theory, and by 2009, Almenkerk released its first vintage, transforming the apple orchard into a 15-hectare vineyard.
Today, the van Almenkerk family—Joris, Natalie, patriarch Joep, and daughters Lieselotte and Annelies—runs a tight-knit operation, with friends pitching in during harvest. Their mantra? Make exceptional wines while having “loads of fun.” The estate’s commitment to sustainability, from drone-screened vineyards to regenerative farming, has earned accolades, including Top Wine SA classifications for its Chardonnay and Syrah. The modern cellar, designed by DHK Urban Concepts and built into the mountainside, is an architectural marvel, offering breathtaking views of Elgin’s hills. My only quibble? The tasting room could better showcase the family’s journey—perhaps a photo wall or short video to bring their story to life.
Vineyards and Varieties: Elgin’s Terroir Unleashed
Almenkerk’s 15-hectare vineyard thrives in Elgin’s cool-climate embrace, 300–500 meters above sea level, where Atlantic breezes and misty mornings shape grapes with vibrant acidity and minerality. The soils—shale, clay, and sandstone—mirror Burgundy, ideal for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while red varietals like Merlot and Syrah flourish on warmer slopes. Joris, with viticulturist Michael Keown, uses cutting-edge technology—drones, infrared cameras, and electromagnetic soil scans—to optimize planting and pruning, ensuring low yields (6–8 tons/ha) for concentrated fruit.
The estate grows six key varieties:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and mineral, a cool-climate star.
- Chardonnay: Elegant and structured, with Burgundian finesse.
- Merlot: Plush and fruit-forward, a red standout.
- Syrah: Peppery and refined, thriving in Elgin’s cool air.
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc: Bold additions for blends.
- Mourvèdre: A newer experiment, adding spicy depth.
Four hectares remain dedicated to apples (Royal Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pink Lady) and pears (Packham Triumph), a nod to Elgin’s orchard heritage. The vineyard’s sustainable practices, like minimal intervention and natural fermentation, amplify the terroir’s voice, crafting wines of balance and elegance.
The Wines: Passion in Every Sip
Almenkerk’s portfolio, crafted by Joris van Almenkerk, spans three tiers—Lace (accessible), Almenkerk (premium), and Flemish Masters (flagship)—each reflecting Elgin’s cool-climate character. The wines, praised by Platter’s Guide and Tripadvisor reviewers, have earned accolades for their vibrancy and finesse. Here’s what I tasted:
- Lace Sauvignon Blanc 2024: Ripe peach and floral notes with a zesty finish. Approachable and fresh, though it lacks the complexity of the Almenkerk range.
- Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2023: Green apple, fynbos, and chalky minerality. A crisp delight, but a touch more intensity would elevate it.
- Almenkerk Chardonnay 2022: Creamy citrus, toasted almond, and a mineral core. Burgundian in style, though oak slightly overshadows the fruit in youth.
- Lace Dry Rosé: Bright strawberry and rose petal, perfect for summer. Fun and quaffable, but less memorable than the reds.
- Almenkerk Merlot 2021: Red cherry, blackcurrant, and subtle oak. Upfront and plush, a crowd-pleaser that could use more depth.
- Almenkerk Syrah 2020: Black pepper, violet, and silky tannins. A refined gem, though it needs time to fully open.
- Lace Red Blend 2010: Fruity Merlot-led blend with great length. Elegant and affordable, though it lacks the flagship’s complexity.
Priced from R120 (Lace) to R350 (Almenkerk), the wines offer value, with online discounts via wineinthewarehouse.co.za. My critique? The Lace range, while solid, feels entry-level compared to the Almenkerk tier, and oak use in whites could be lighter to highlight fruit purity. The Mourvèdre, a newer addition, shows promise but isn’t yet a standout. Limited stock, especially for flagships, can frustrate buyers, as noted by a Tripadvisor reviewer unable to ship cases to the US.
The Tasting Room: A Modern Oasis
The tasting room, perched within the cellar’s sleek, glass-walled structure, is a visual feast, offering 180-degree views of Elgin’s vineyards and misty Kogelberg Mountains. Open Tuesday–Saturday (10am–4pm, bookings advised at info@almenkerk.co.za), it’s modern yet warm, with local artworks, lavender gardens, and shrews scurrying below. The standard tasting (R80, five wines) covers the Lace and Almenkerk ranges, while the premium tasting (R120) includes flagships, served in Stellenbosch-crafted glassware. Picnics from Terra Madre (R300 for two) can be paired with tastings, enjoyed on the balcony or vineyard lawns.
My standard tasting, led by the effervescent Ruth Joubert-Martin, was a highlight. Her passion and knowledge—she even called nearby farms to guide other visitors—made the experience unforgettable, echoing Tripadvisor praise for her hospitality. The Chardonnay, paired with a cheese nibble, shone, though I longed for a fuller platter, like De Grendel’s charcuterie, to complement the reds. The room’s design is stunning, but its popularity can lead to crowding, and walk-ins may be turned away without bookings. The shop offers wines at cellar-door prices, with art and apple products for sale, but international shipping challenges, as one reviewer noted, need addressing.
Activities to Savor at Almenkerk
Almenkerk is a boutique haven with activities that celebrate its terroir and community spirit:
- Wine Tastings: Standard and premium tastings are the core, with walk-ins welcome but bookings preferred for groups over six. The balcony’s views are a draw, though indoor seating can feel less immersive.
- Picnics: Pre-ordered Terra Madre picnics (book via almenkerk.co.za) feature cheeses, breads, and wine, enjoyed in the vineyards or by the dam. The setting is serene, but more shaded spots would improve comfort.
- Hiking Trail: A 5km trail (R50, daily) winds through vineyards, orchards, and fynbos, offering panoramic valley views. Suitable for all levels, it’s a highlight, though better signage would aid navigation.
- Cellar Tours: Guided tours (R150, by appointment) with Joris explore the winemaking process, from drone tech to barrel aging. Informative but limited to small groups, so book early.
- Art and Gardens: The estate’s quirky sculptures and lavender gardens, designed by Belgian Dirk Vervaecke, invite exploration. A guided art walk would add depth.
- Off-Site Dining: The family’s De Brasserie Bistro in Strand (40km away) serves European-inspired dishes with Almenkerk wines, like mussels with Sauvignon Blanc. A must-visit, but its distance is a drawback.
The estate’s sustainability—water recycling, fynbos preservation—adds eco-appeal, but more signage or a conservation talk would engage visitors. It’s moderately family-friendly, with open spaces but no dedicated kids’ facilities, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
A Positive Yet Critical Review
Almenkerk Wine Estate is a cool-climate triumph, crafting wines that sing of Elgin’s terroir with passion and precision. The Almenkerk Chardonnay and Syrah are world-class, and the Lace range offers accessible charm. The tasting room’s modern elegance, paired with Ruth’s stellar service, creates a welcoming vibe, while the hiking trail and picnics make it a full experience. The van Almenkerks’ family spirit, from Joep’s mentorship to friends’ harvest help, is infectious, and their sustainable practices set a high bar.
However, there’s room for polish. The tasting room can feel crowded, and walk-in restrictions may deter spontaneous visitors. Food pairings are limited, and a charcuterie platter would elevate tastings. The Lace wines, while good, lack the flagship’s depth, and oak in whites could be subtler. Stock shortages and shipping issues frustrate buyers, and the website’s e-commerce could be smoother. Adding a historical display or guided eco-tour would deepen the experience, as the family’s story and sustainability efforts deserve more spotlight.
Final Thoughts
My day at Almenkerk was a love letter to Elgin’s cool-climate magic, leaving me with a bottle of Merlot, a heart warmed by Ruth’s hospitality, and a longing to hike the trail again. The estate’s blend of family passion, architectural beauty, and exceptional wines makes it a boutique star, just 10 minutes from Grabouw. Book your tasting, pack a picnic, and raise a glass to a winery that’s as fun as it is refined. Almenkerk isn’t just a winery—it’s a taste of Elgin’s soul.
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