About

Our Farm

Set on the slopes of Olifantsberg Mountain, overlooking the Breedekloof Valley near Worcester in South Africa’s Western Cape, the estate is defined by its dramatic setting, distinctive vineyards and commitment to producing wines that reflect their place of origin.

Nestled within an amphitheatre of ancient Cape Fold Mountains and bordered by the Hex River Mountain range to the east, Olifantsberg occupies a unique terroir shaped by altitude, wind, soils and climate. These natural elements influence every aspect of vineyard growth and define the character of the wines.

Strong valley winds sweep across the slopes year-round, limiting yields and producing smaller berries with concentrated flavour and structure. Constant airflow also promotes vineyard health by reducing disease pressure.

Rich in shale and schist, with underlying clay layers, our soils provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture through the dry summer months. The result is balanced vine growth and fruit of exceptional concentration.

The vineyards are planted between 300 and 480 metres above sea level, where cooler temperatures extend the ripening period. Warm days and cool nights encourage complex aromas, colour intensity and natural freshness.

Sustainability guides every aspect of our farming and winemaking. We focus on building healthy soils, reducing intervention and supporting ecological balance across the estate.

Only 12% of the farm is planted to vines. The remainder is preserved as natural habitat, including significant areas of endangered Renosterveld and indigenous fynbos. Cover crops and beneficial insects further support biodiversity and long-term vineyard health.

The result is a collection of vineyards that consistently produce wines of purity, freshness and unmistakable mountain character.

vineyards

Our vineyards are planted to varieties naturally suited to our dry climate and rocky soils. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Roussanne and Chenin Blanc form the foundation of the estate, reflecting our focus on Mediterranean varieties that thrive in these conditions.

A defining feature of Olifantsberg is its extensive use of the traditional échalas system, one of the oldest vine-training methods in the world. More than 70% of our vineyards are planted as individually staked vines, making Olifantsberg home to one of the largest plantings of échalas-trained vineyards in South Africa.

This labour-intensive approach is ideally suited to our environment, allowing each vine to develop natural balance while withstanding the strong winds that sweep across the slopes.

High-density plantings of up to 7,500 vines per hectare encourage healthy competition between vines, naturally regulating vigour and producing fruit with concentration, structure and vibrant acidity. Precision pruning further supports vine longevity and fruit quality.

All vineyards are planted on the foothills and slopes of Olifantsberg Mountain between 300 and 480 metres above sea level. Altitude, airflow and moderated sunlight exposure create a cooler growing environment, encouraging slow, even ripening and wines with freshness, complexity and a distinct sense of place.

With the exception of a certified heritage Old Vine Chenin Blanc vineyard in Rawsonville, planted in 1982, all wines are produced exclusively from grapes grown on the estate. This historic vineyard is farmed by our team and reserved solely for the production of our Old Vine Chenin Blanc.

winery

All wines are produced and bottled on the estate. The winery is powered by solar energy and incorporates a water treatment facility as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Our aim is to craft wines that faithfully express the vineyard, the season and the unique conditions of each vintage. Fruit is handled as gently as possible, with minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process.

Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the use of whole bunches where appropriate, and maturation in vessels such as foudres and concrete eggs help preserve freshness, texture and a strong sense of place.

The aim is not to shape the wines to a predetermined style, but rather to allow each vineyard and vintage to speak clearly through every bottle.

people

Ferdi and Elizma Visser have guided Olifantsberg for more than a decade, shaping both the vineyards and wines with a shared commitment to quality and consistency.

Elizma received international recognition when she was named Young Winemaker of the Year in the 2021 South Africa Report by Tim Atkin, becoming the first woman to receive the award.

Ferdi oversees the commercial and operational aspects of the estate while remaining closely involved in the vineyards and broader farming philosophy. Together, they lead a collaborative approach in which viticulture and winemaking work hand in hand.

Sustainability extends beyond the vineyard. Olifantsberg employs 12 permanent staff members, creates seasonal employment throughout the year and provides housing for 22 members of the farm community.

Their shared vision is to steward the land responsibly and craft wines that reflect the purity, character and distinctive identity of Olifantsberg.