Situated in the Cape Winelands of South Africa the barrel-vaulted cellar buildings of Eikendal Vineyards form a distinctive landmark on the R44 route, positioned between the historic university town of Stellenbosch and the residential suburbs of Somerset West. Since 1981 the 76 ha wine farm has been under the ownership of the Saager family of Zurich.
The Swiss owners recognised the great potential of the area and wasted no time in modernising and extending the vineyards and the cellar facilities. The cooling, moistening effect of the breezes from the nearby Atlantic ocean combined with the excellent soil structure of Eikendal's vineyards form ideal conditions for growing noble vines such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Straddling the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range, some of the Cape's finest wines are produced here. The winery is also positioned in the so called "golden triangle" of South Africa's red wine production.
Winemaker Henry Kotzé graduated top of his class with a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Stellenbosch University. He started as assistant winemaker at Boschendal and Vergelegen, before joining Neil Ellis, where he made numerous award-winning wines. He has been at Eikendal since September 2004.
