Winery Overview & History
Sadie Family Wines, founded by Eben Sadie in 1999, is the modern icon of South Africa’s fine-wine renaissance. Based in Swartland, the family estate champions old vines, dry farming, and minimal intervention to reveal pure site expression.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The vineyards span Swartland’s granite and slate hills north of Cape Town. A warm Mediterranean climate is tempered by Atlantic breezes, while poor, well-drained soils and low rainfall produce naturally small yields and vivid concentration.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Benchmark blends define the house style: Columella (Syrah-led red with Mourvèdre and others) shows dark fruit, spice, and firm, fine tannins; Palladius (white blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, etc.) layers citrus, stone fruit, and saline minerality. The Old Vine Series bottlings spotlight historic single sites.
Signature Wines
- Columella — Syrah-driven Swartland red of depth and precision.
- Palladius — Textural, mineral white blend with coastal freshness.
- Old Vine Series — Rare, single-vineyard expressions of South Africa’s heritage vines.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Hand harvesting, gentle sorting, whole-berry/partial whole-cluster fermentations, and restrained extraction. Aging in concrete, clay, and seasoned oak emphasizes texture and terroir transparency over oak imprint.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Riebeek Kasteel, Swartland, South Africa
Phone: +27 22 448 1488
Website: www.thesadiefamily.com
Visiting: By appointment only.
*Photo courtesy of News24