IT’S REALLY ALL ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
Circle of Life celebrates farming in harmony with nature, telling a
story of preserving and regenerating biodiversity, which we feel helps grow healthier and more characterful grapes.
In 2008 Waterkloof became one of The Western Cape Wineland’s first WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Conservation Champions. Half of the property is now dedicated to preserving the diverse, indigenous but threatened plant-life that make up one of Earth’s five major Floristic Regions. Of course, it is not only the flora that we help preserve and regenerate on Waterkloof, but also the inextricably connected fauna that play their part in any thriving eco-system, alongside our vines, the soil in which they stand and let’s not forget ourselves, the custodians who farm this land.
Since receiving WWF Conservation Champion status, five of our neighbours have followed suit, benefitting this winegrowing hillside still further. The Schapenberg is now the ideal canvas of vineyards upon which to craft this intricately woven tapestry of a blend we call Circle of Life.
A film to find out more about Biodiversity on Waterkloof –
A GENTLE HAND
We rely primarily on tasting to determine the optimal flavor development of our grapes. Bunches are hand-picked in the early morning while still cool, helping to preserve their delicate aromatics. Juice extraction is achieved through whole-bunch pressing in our modern basket press—a gentle method that honors the integrity of the fruit. No enzymes or settling agents are added at any stage.
After a 24-hour settling period, a large portion of the juice is allocated for co-fermentation. Prior to fermentation, we determine two blends: one of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, and another of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. These are transferred into old 600-liter barrels, where they undergo spontaneous fermentation over six months.
Once fermentation is complete, the wine is racked into stainless steel, where the remaining Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Semillon are added. To encourage integration and build texture, the final blend is returned to barrel and left on fine lees until bottling—nine months later. These extended lees contact adds depth, complexity, and weight to the palate.
We produce the wine as naturally as possible, with no additions of acids or enzymes. The final blend is composed of 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Chenin Blanc, and 3% Semillon.
AND A FEW PRAYERS TO MOTHER NATURE: THE 2024/25 GROWING SEASON
The 2025 vintage in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape will be remembered for its poise and precision. A mild, dry growing season with temperate coastal breezes from the Atlantic created ideal conditions across key sub-regions such as Stellenbosch, Darling, and Swartland. The absence of major heat spikes and well-timed veraison encouraged gradual phenolic ripening and exceptional balance between sugar and acidity.
White varieties like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc benefitted from cool nights and ample hang time, delivering crisp aromatics and textural finesse. Early reds, including Pinotage and Grenache, display vivid fruit purity and silkier tannins, while late-harvested Cabernets and Mourvèdre hint at deep colour, brooding structure, and notable longevity.
With yields slightly below average, the vintage leans toward quality over quantity, producing wines that reflect the terroir diversity and maritime influence of the Cape with remarkable clarity. A vintage marked by elegance, freshness, and authenticity.
A TASTING NOTE FROM THE GLASS OF NADIA LANGENEGGER
Our Circle of Life White shows refined balance and clarity. Bright citrus and stone fruit notes lead on the palate, supported by subtle herbal undertones. The co-fermentation and extended lees contact contribute to a smooth, integrated texture with gentle weight.
The finish is long and clean, with a mineral edge that adds precision and reinforces the wine’s overall elegance.
THE NUMBERS (33 000 BOTTLES PRODUCED)
Alc: 13,5 %
RS: 1,6 g/l
TA: 5.9 g/l
pH: 3.17