Our roots run deep

The roots of our community run deep. Bonnievale was founded by early pioneer Christopher Forrest Rigg, whose passion for the fertile valley paved the way for our winery and many Robertson wine farms like it. In making great wines that people love, we share this heritage and help build a future for all.

We make wines that reflect the slopes, soils and climate they come from, for people who enjoy them.

This pursuit is the endeavour of many people, and many years. The communities deep-rooted in wine growing for generations, are a proud part of the Bonnievale wine brand.

The winery itself came about through the collaboration of local farmers and was initiated in the early 2000s. These farmers understood that a region’s best and most enjoyable wines can only be made with the widest selection of fruit from a vast terroir.

Today, Bonnievale Wines comprises four production cellars whose cumulative histories go back centuries. Our cellars process grapes from 100 member farms. Among them, the Elethu Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment farm established in 2007.

Combining with the farmers’ multi-generational experience and sustainable management of the land is a talented winemaking team. They match varieties with ideal terroir and usher fruit with cutting-edge innovation to becoming delicious and much-awarded wine.

Under South Africa’s legislated Wine of Origin scheme, Bonnievale is certified as being a producer of the Breede River Valley in the district of Robertson. Wines made here are proudly labelled Wine of Origin: Bonnievale – an independent guarantee that what’s in the bottle can be traced to our vineyards and their promise of great quality.