Draaiboek means ‘script’ in Afrikaans. A script is a story come to life, given meaning through the character’s performance and words spoken. In our books, every wine comes bottled with its very own script. An unedited narrative drafted by years spent in the vineyard, sculpted by changing seasons and nurtured by caring hands.
The result is a tale that captivates each drinker on a unique adventure into one’s inner imagination. A fantastical land where life is simple and possibilities are endless. It also stirs memories of past travels, moments shared with friends and good food.
It was with exactly this honest intention to express one’s creativity that a group of friends came together to craft Draaiboek Wines. After meeting at Stellenbosch University, everyone eventually headed out to write their own stories. Yet, despite different borders and time zones, they always checked in with every changing chapter of their lives.
Now, after many years of friendship, the characters have come together once again to produce Draaiboek Wines. Born out of a love for wine and the stories that it tells, Draaiboek Wines invite you to approach each wine like the blank pages of a book yet unwritten. What story will you tell?
Our Vineyard
The Chardonnay is sourced from the smallest appellation within the Walker Bay Wine District in South Africa, the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The area is situated 13km up the winding R320 from seaside town Hermanus (renowned for its land-based whale watching).
The Hemel-en-Aarde (meaning Heaven and Earth in Afrikaans) is divided into three wards: Hemel en Aarde Valley, Hemel en Aarde Upper Valley and Hemel en Aarde Ridge. In comparison to the other Hemel-en-Aarde appellations, the grapes typically ripen later on the ridge, and although furthest from the sea, still experience the benefits of a cool maritime climate with the greatest diurnal temperature variation of the three wards.
The site is North-East facing, 300m altitude and the soil is predominantly Bokkeveld-shale with high clay content. The region receives high rainfall (750mm 10-year average) and most vineyards can be dry-farmed.
At Draaiboek wines, some of our favourite Chardonnays are produced on neighbouring wine farms and we are thrilled at the opportunity to work with these highly sought after grapes.
You can read more by visiting there website draaiboek.wine