Delheim

Delheim's Cellar, situated in the Simonsberg ward in Stellenbosch, is family owned and produces a wide range of Internationally acclaimed wines. The original farm was founded in 1699 and today, Delheim still reflects the traditions and values of the Sperling family's commitment to quality.

Present Day

Mr Sperling is the Managing Director of Delheim. The wine estate consists of three farms:
Driesprongh, which is the home to Delheim's cellar, tasting and sales facilities, spans the slopes of the Simonsberg between 300 and 400 m above sea level. The cool climate, hutton type soils and average rainfall of 500mm which prevail here, favour the growing of white wine varieties. The approximately 50 hectares of vineyard are planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Rhine (Weisser) Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the more robust Chardonnay; their yield makes up 40% of production. Around 120 ha of pine forest also shares these high, exposed slopes with the vineyards. These were unfortunately all destroyed by a devastating fire in January 2000, but the replantings have started!

Vera Cruz and Klapmuts, 5 km lower down the valley, produce the fuller bodied red wines which require a drier, warmer climate. The south facing vineyards rising gradually between 200-355 metres, are noted for their loamy, sandy soils. Annual rainfall is around 3% lower than on Driesprongh. The vineyard also enjoys 10-12 days more sunshine each year, making this one of the top red wine farms in the area. World class wines, including the sought-after and esteemed Delheim Grand Reserve, are produced here. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinotage are the dominant varieties and make up 60% of the production.

These three farms that make up the Delheim wine cellar extend over 364 ha: 150 ha is planted to vine, the Drie Sprong pine forest (used for construction timber) covers 120 ha and fynbos grows on the remaining 94 ha. Over the 30 years since Delheim won its first trophy much has been learnt about the vine, its likes and dislikes when it comes to putting down roots and the quality of wine it will produce if planted in a favoured spot. Delheim's 150 ha of vineyard are now planned with much more than just ease of harvesting in mind.

Spatz's first vintage in 1952 grossed a total of 18 tons; today the cellar has capacity for some 1200 tons annually.

INTO THE MILLENIUM

Innovative moves in winemaking were introduced in 1994, starting with the planting of new clone vineyards, so as to enhance and improve the existing wines. Terroir orientated planting programs have been steadily introduced, and better knowledge of canopy management and trellising have been implemented.

In the cellar itself, a fresh approach was adopted with the introduction of new techniques, such as the use of hand picking ,reductive winemaking and American oak in the maturation process. These improvements will mean that Delheim's wines will remain of the best in the country.