Alheit VineyardsProducer from Coastal Region, South Africa

Rated as a South African First Growth by leading wine critic Tim Atkin MW

The Alheit Vineyards' debut of Cartology in 2011 marked a turning point in the South African wine landscape and rapidly ascended to cult wine status, a rare achievement for a new entrant in the winemaking world.

Focusing exclusively on white wines, Chris, alongside his partner Suzaan, has carved a specialized niche with single-vineyard Chenin Blancs, derived from select plots of ancient vines. This concerted effort has propelled their winery to become one of South Africa's top success stories in the wine industry within a remarkably short span of less than ten years.

“Alheit’s wines typify contemporary winemaking in the Cape: terroir-driven, low intervention (but not natural), texturally-satisfying, cerebral and occasionally challenging wines that can rivet you to the spot. I often find that when drinking these at home, they benefit from an hour decant as they can be a bit shy on first pouring. But they represent some of the greatest wines being produced on the Cape at the moment, and the allocations sell out almost immediately upon release.” - Neal Martin, Vinous

The history of Alheit Vineyards:

Alheit Vineyards burst onto the South African wine scene in 2011, established by the visionary duo, Chris and Suzaan Alheit. Their mission was to produce authentic white wines by harnessing the untapped potential of the country's venerable vineyards. In their quest, they discovered remarkable old vine Chenin Blanc and Semillon plots, which became the bedrock for their maiden vintage, Cartology. This wine swiftly earned accolades, propelling Alheit to the forefront of the 'New Wave' South African wine movement and securing its legacy as a beacon of terroir-driven viniculture within a decade of its founding.

Alheit Cartolgy:

Alheit Cartology is a groundbreaking white wine blend, primarily crafted from Chenin Blanc and Semillon, that has rapidly become a flagship for the Alheit Vineyards and a standard-bearer for South African wine innovation. Launched with the 2011 vintage, Cartology has gained acclaim for its intricate depiction of South Africa's diverse terroirs, drawing from old vineyards across the Western Cape to create a tapestry of flavours and textures. Its name, combining "cartography" and "ology," signifies a meticulous study and mapping of vineyard sites, each contributing distinct notes to the complex, layered, and vibrant profile. Wine enthusiasts praise Cartology for its balance between ripe fruit, zesty acidity, and a rich, textured mouthfeel, encapsulating a true sense of place.

Want to see what the winemakers have to say about the wine? Then click here to watch their YouTube video.

Alheit Nautical Dawn:

One of our personal favourites as it captures the essence of coastal terroir with remarkable finesse. Sourced from the singular, cool-climate, sea-facing vineyard in Stellenbosch's False Bay, this wine is a testament to the unique expressions of South African Chenin Blanc. Reflecting the Alheits' dedication to showcasing the nuances of specific vineyards, Nautical Dawn sings with minerality and purity of fruit. Its texture is sophisticated, offering a palate replete with stone fruit and citrus notes, underlined by a vibrant acidity. Critics praise its "elegance and depth that commands attention" (Wine Enthusiast), establishing Nautical Dawn as a luminous example of the potential within South Africa's viticultural landscapes.

Alheit Fire by Night:

Alheit Vineyards' Fire by Night offers a deep dive into the unique terroir of the Swartland region, showcasing the intensity and complexity of old-vine Chenin Blanc. This wine is a tribute to the nocturnal process of winemaking, under the cool cloak of darkness, allowing for gentle pressing and preservation of the grape's delicate flavours. With its layered complexity, Fire by Night exhibits an exquisite balance of minerality, ripe pear, and crisp apple notes, accented by a subtle hint of smokiness. Critics celebrate it as a "masterpiece of precision and depth" (Wine Advocate). This is usually one of the highest scoring wine in the range.