Zewenwacht

History

Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht has viticultural roots which penetrate deep into the historic past of South Africa. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm.

Covering 200 hectares of the 450 hectare property, the vineyards are ideally situated for the growing of quality grapes. Zevenwacht is characterized by good quality, varied soils and the vineyards have been selectively planted with red and white noble varietals.

Tin Mine Range

The Tin Mine range of wines, recently launched by Zevenwacht, takes its name from the tin mines that operated on the farm in the early 1900s.

Back in 1905 vigorous mining flourished just as, today, vines are abundant and thriving. Research into the history of this mining was conducted by Professor Spargo of the Department of Physics at the University of Cape Town

According to Professor Spargo, the discovery of substantial deposits of tin ore in the hills not far from the, then, sleepy hamlet of Kuils River, shortly after the Boer War brought a flurry of activity to the area. Soon, prospecting trenches were being dug, shallow exploratory shafts put down and the concentration of ore was undertaken prior to its shipment to Cornwall for refining.

Today, there are scattered reminders of those prosperous mining days – bygone equipment such as a coal fired boiler and an old steam winding engine, used to lower men down the shaft, can still be seen at Zevenwacht, close to where the vines that produce The Tin Mine flourish.

Zevenwacht has started to clear this area so that visitors can appreciate the silent reminders of those days when the hillside echoed with the calls of miners, the crack of hammers on drill steel, the hissing and thumping of the winding engines and the creaking of ox-wagons bringing heavy equipment from Cape Town, returning with ore for its long journey to Cornwall.

Building on its proud history and traditions, Zevenwacht has moved on to become a premier producer of fine wines. This requires investment in modern equipment and technology to enable the farm to compete with the world’s best. To this end, Zevenwacht has just invested in new fermentators for the cellar, as well as adding a new wine tasting room to cater for the increasing number of local and international visitors. Furthermore, the farm is planting new varieties, and has bought new refrigerated vehicles to ensure that its wines and cheeses are delivered in perfect condition.

‘We treasure our rich heritage, but also have to ensure that we move with the times and maintain a thoroughly modern business, says owner, Harold Johnson.

For more information go to www.zevenwacht.co.za