In October 2022 I had the great pleasure of visiting Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Stellenbosch with a few colleagues from the UK wine trade. We spent the good part of two days being driven around this beautiful, sustainably managed piece of land by winemaker, Nadia Barnard. All of the vineyards on the estate are farmed following organic and biological principles. 

What brought Nadia to winemaking and Waterkloof Estate?

“A combination of destiny and good judgement brought me to the wine industry and ultimately to Waterkloof and it is here were I have learned the true aspects of quality vines and wines and realised, that to live and work in harmony with nature is to acknowledge, respect and promote its intrinsic value,”

“I firmly believe in the biodynamic and organic philosophies of Waterkloof. I have been here since the cellar opened its doors in 2009, and, after five years working here as Assistant Winemaker, I can truly say that I know every square inch of vineyard on the farm like the palm of my hand and the amazing potential that lies within them” 

Here at Cellar Door Wines we've always been huge fans of Waterkloof wines. It is always lovely to taste Nadia's wines in Saint Albans, but to be able to do so at Waterkloof, with the woman herself, was extra special. Tasting wine at the place of its birth explains the why and the how of its individuality. The people behind the vineyard and winery are also key components in the equation. The Western Cape and Waterkloof has such diversity of wine style with a great price quality ratio. Long may this continue with talented women like Nadia at the helm.

Penny's favourite wines made by Nadia are:

Waterkloof Cape Coral Rosé 

Waterkloof Circumstance Mourvèdre 

 View our Waterkloof product range