Tucked away near Piketberg in the rugged, sun-soaked Swartland, Schenkfontein Wines is a family-owned gem that feels like a love letter to South Africa’s wine heritage. As I drove up to the estate, the rolling hills and distant mountains painted a picture of timeless beauty, with vineyards stretching across the landscape like green waves. For CapeVineMaster.co.za, visiting Schenkfontein was a chance to uncover a story of resilience, innovation, and wines that punch above their weight. From its roots as a breakaway farm to its modern-day certified vintages, Schenkfontein offers a taste of Swartland’s soul—paired with a warm, unpretentious vibe. Here’s a sip of their history, their wines, and what you can expect when you visit, with a nod to what shines and what could use a bit more polish.
A Family Legacy Born from Bold Moves
Schenkfontein’s tale begins in 1992, when Hennie Hanekom carved out a piece of the historic Winkelshoek family farm, known as Winkelshoek Portion C, to forge his own path. The farm, spanning 153 hectares with just 23 dedicated to vineyards, wasn’t initially destined for winemaking. Named Schenkfontein—after a legendary schoolteacher, Leermeester Schenk, and a modest mountain stream that caught Hennie’s eye—the estate embodies tenacity and vision. Hennie, a seasoned farmer, pivoted to wine when his son Philip’s birth prompted a rethink: with five grandsons, the family farm was too small to sustain them all. Winemaking, Hennie’s forte, became the family’s new frontier.
By the early 1990s, Hennie was crafting distillation wines from trimmed-off berries, but it was his son Hendrik who took the winery to new heights. In 2012, Hendrik stepped into the winemaker’s role after an abrupt departure left the cellar in a lurch. Thrown into the deep end, he not only mastered the craft but pushed for certification, launching Schenkfontein’s first certified wines in 2014. Today, brothers Hendrik (the winemaker) and Philip (the marketing maestro) run the show, with their father Hennie’s legacy as their guide. The farm’s pomegranate tree, a symbol of abundance, graces their labels, alongside a nod to Leermeester Schenk and a cheeky rabbit—a quirky reference to Hennie’s army days. The cooperative spirit of the Swartland shines through, though I wished for more on-site storytelling to bring this rich history to life.
Vineyards and Varieties: Swartland’s Finest
Schenkfontein’s 23 hectares of vineyards thrive on shallow clay and sandy soils, with stone and clay patches adding complexity. Water from mountain ravine dams sustains the vines through the Swartland’s dry summers, creating ideal conditions for robust grapes. The estate grows a select range of cultivars, focusing on quality over quantity, and sources additional grapes from regions like Vredendal-Lutzville to bolster production. Hendrik’s goal is to have 60% of their grapes come from their own vines, a nod to their commitment to terroir-driven wines.
The core grape varieties include:
- Shiraz: The star of the show, known for its bold, spicy profile.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and structured, a classic Swartland red.
- Pinotage: South Africa’s signature grape, offering fruit-forward depth.
- Chenin Blanc: Crisp and versatile, a Swartland staple.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and refreshing, perfect for warm days.
- Colombar: Light and easy-drinking, a crowd-pleaser.
These varieties reflect the Swartland’s warm climate and rugged soils, producing wines that are approachable yet distinctive. The estate processes around 2,500 tons of wine grapes and 3,000 tons of distilling grapes annually, a testament to their scale and ambition.
The Wines: Easy-Drinking Elegance
Schenkfontein’s wines, certified under their own label since 2014, are crafted for enjoyment, blending traditional recipes with modern flair. The Schenkfontein Range is their elite offering, designed to showcase the farm’s best. Here’s a taste of what I sampled:
- Schenkfontein Shiraz: A robust red with black pepper, dark berries, and a smoky finish. It’s a braai’s best friend, though the tannins could soften for a smoother sip.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep ruby with cassis and eucalyptus notes. It’s bold but approachable, though a touch more complexity would elevate it.
- Pinotage: Juicy with cherry and a hint of spice. A solid effort, but it felt slightly overshadowed by the Shiraz.
- Chenin Blanc: Bright with green apple and pear. Refreshing, though I wished for a bit more depth to rival top Swartland Chenins.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty with citrus and grass. Perfect for summer, but the finish was a tad short.
- Colombar: Light and floral, ideal for casual sipping. It’s simple but charming.
The wines are easy-drinking, as Hendrik intended, and priced affordably (most under R120), making them great value. The tasting room, opened in 2019, offers a cozy space to sample these alongside Winkelshoek’s broader range, including bag-in-box and fortified wines. My only critique? Some wines felt safe rather than adventurous—leaning into Swartland’s old-vine potential could push them into the spotlight.
Activities at Schenkfontein: A Taste of Swartland
Schenkfontein is a working farm, so the focus is on the wine, but there’s enough to make a visit worthwhile. Here’s what you can do:
- Wine Tastings: The tasting room, open by appointment, offers a relaxed experience with views of the Swartland hills. Tastings cover the Schenkfontein range and select Winkelshoek wines. At around R50 for five wines, it’s a steal, though the limited hours (book 48 hours in advance) require planning.
- Cellar Tours: By appointment, these offer a peek into the winemaking process. Hendrik’s passion shines, but the tours are basic and could use more historical context.
- Scenic Views: The farm’s 153 hectares, with vineyards framed by mountains, are perfect for a leisurely stroll or photo ops. The pomegranate tree from the label is a must-see, though signage to locate it would help.
- Shopping: Wines are available at cellar-door prices, alongside Winkelshoek’s Royal Vodka and Pippa Granadilla Liqueur. Stock up, as some varietals sell out fast.
The farm’s laid-back vibe, part of the Swartland Wine and Olive Route, is a draw, but activities are limited compared to larger estates. No on-site restaurant or kids’ facilities mean it’s best for wine-focused visitors. Nearby Piketberg offers dining and accommodation for a fuller day trip.
A Positive Yet Critical Take
Schenkfontein Wines is a Swartland standout, blending family legacy with approachable, quality wines. The Shiraz and Chenin Blanc capture the region’s rugged charm, and the tasting room’s warm hospitality makes you feel like part of the Hanekom clan. The farm’s history, from Hennie’s bold breakaway to Hendrik’s certification push, adds depth to every sip. At wallet-friendly prices, it’s a winery that delivers bang for your buck.
That said, there’s room to grow. The wines, while solid, could embrace Swartland’s avant-garde spirit with bolder experimentation. The tasting room experience is delightful but basic—more storytelling or food pairings (think charcuterie or olives) would elevate it. Limited activities and appointment-only access might deter spontaneous visitors, and the farm’s online presence could use a boost to match its ambition. Still, Schenkfontein’s heart and hustle make it a worthy stop.
Final Sip
Schenkfontein Wines is a slice of Swartland soul—gritty, genuine, and full of promise. My visit left me with a bottle of Shiraz, a newfound respect for the Hanekom family, and a craving to return for the next harvest. Whether you’re a wine nerd or a casual sipper, this Piketberg estate offers a taste of South Africa’s wine frontier. Book your tasting, raise a glass to Leermeester Schenk, and let Schenkfontein’s story unfold.
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