Wine
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
The recent registration of Nieuwoudtville as a Wine of Origin is a monumental step forward for our region, positioning it as a rising star in South African viticulture. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, Nieuwoudtville is now officially recognized for what we’ve always believed: this area has the potential to produce some of the most distinctive and expressive wines in the country.
Situated in a unique convergence of biomes, the Nieuwoudtville wine region offers a terroir unlike any other. Here, ancient dolerite rocks meet shale formations carried in from the Tankwa, blending seamlessly with the soft sandstone on the edge of the mountain range. This diverse geological makeup gives our soils a complexity that directly translates into the character of our wines. These soils are enriched by centuries of natural evolution, resulting in a flavor profile that is entirely unique to this land.
Adding to this distinctiveness is Nieuwoudtville’s elevation. At 820 meters above sea level, our vineyards benefit from the cooler units in winter, allowing the vines to rest fully and develop the vibrant flavors characteristic of high-altitude wines. The cool nights and warm days work in tandem to create wines with crisp acidity, refined structure, and exceptional balance. This is beautifully evident in our award-winning Nieu Sauvignon Blanc, which has already garnered attention for its clarity and expressive taste—a true testament to the quality of this terroir.
With its official designation, Nieuwoudtville is now poised to stand alongside the renowned wine regions of Cederberg and Olifantsrivier. We are confident that our wines will soon be competing on the same level, thanks to the distinctive qualities derived from our terroir. The altitude, climate, and soil diversity of Nieuwoudtville create wines that are vibrant, complex, and deeply reflective of the land from which they come.
At Cloudskraal, we are incredibly proud to be part of this pioneering movement. As one of the first vineyards to bear the Nieuwoudtville Wine of Origin label, we are excited to see how these soils continue to influence our vintages. Each bottle captures the essence of this remarkable region, offering wine enthusiasts a taste experience that can only be found here.
The future of Nieuwoudtville as a wine region is bright. As more winemakers join us in exploring and expressing the potential of these unique soils, we anticipate seeing our wines take their place among South Africa’s finest. We look forward to sharing the journey with wine lovers from around the world and are thrilled to watch Nieuwoudtville flourish as a wine destination in its own right.
Cheers to the start of something truly special—welcome to the Nieuwoudtville Wine of Origin.