CLIMATE/TERROIR

The Robertson / Bonnievale district has a dry Karoo climate but at night the air cools down considerably. The soil varies from deep alluvial next to the Breede River to heavy Karoo clay and limey gravel on the slopes, enabling Goedverwacht to produce a wide variety of cultivars suitable to the different soil types.

THE VINEYARDS

At present Goedverwacht's vineyards include:

Chardonnay 20 ha
Sauvignon Blanc 20 ha
Colombar 20 ha
Other whites
(Chenin Blanc, Gewürtztraminer, Semillon) 20 ha
Cabernet Sauvignon 9.0 ha
Merlot 7.0 ha
Shiraz 5.0 ha
Pinot Noir 4.0 ha

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION

Harvesting starts in mid-January and takes place only during early morning while it is still cool. This, together with the climate, soil and watchful eye of the vintner, has resulted in products that are enjoyed, shared, and talked about by wine lovers from all over the world.

Goedverwacht produces 800 000 - 1 000 000 litres of wine, approximately 7000 litres per hectare. This is substantially lower than the potential of the vines, but the owner believes that this contributes to the success of his products of which 50% is exported to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. Wine Worx distributes the bottled wine on the South African market and various companies buy Goedverwacht wine in bulk.

BLUE CRANE ON THE LABEL

The graceful blue crane, Antropoides Paradisea, is the national bird of South Africa and is an endangered species. Flocks of blue cranes once used to be a common sight in the Breede River Valley, but the intrusion of mankind threatens its survival.