Old Vine Project

How do you save a piece of history? One vineyard at a time. 👌 Old vines are more than just plants; they are the liquid archives of South Africa’s wine heritage. Since its inception, the #OldVineProject has been on a mission to identify, certify, and protect vineyards older than 35 years. By preserving these irreplaceable blocks, we aren’t just saving history, we’re ensuring that future generations can taste the wisdom, resilience, and complexity that only time can create. 🇿🇦🍷 📸: @eenzaamheidwines Chenin Blanc Visit the link in our bio for more info on South Africa’s heritage vineyards, old vine wines, and how to become a member of the OVP. 🌱 #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #OldVinesYoungVibes #SouthAfrica

‘In our hurried world, there’s something comforting about a wine that refuses to be rushed’. Proudly OVP-certified, the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023 was awarded the Grand Master honour at the 2025 Global Chenin Masters – the highest possible accolade and top wine of the entire competition! 👏 In the world of (South African) viticulture, 35 years marks the official entry into ‘Old Vine’ status. Planted between 1983 and 1985, the @spierwinefarm 21 Gables vineyard has more than earned its place in this prestigious category. ‘21 Gables Chenin Blanc is a winemaker’s dream to work with in the vineyard,’ shares Spier Cellar Master Johan Jordaan. The 2023 vintage brims with beautiful aromatics of ripe peach, pear, litchi and melon, complemented by citrus rind and white coriander spice notes. Embark on a journey with this award-winning old vine Chenin via www.spier.co.za 🥂 #OldVineProject #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #OldVinesYoungVibes #SouthAfrica #CheninBlanc

The surface only tells half the story. While the world above faces the heat, #oldvines rely on a secret. For over 35 years, they have quietly built an ‘underground architecture’; a sprawling, massive network of roots that weaves through the earth to find moisture. In a drought, this ‘underground architecture’ is the difference between a vine that struggles and a vine that thrives. Next time you’re browsing the shelves, look for the seal that honours this resilience and endurance. 🍇🥂 📸: @thistleandweed.co.za Duwweltjie Chenin vineyard Visit the link in bio for more info. 🌱 #OldVineProject #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #SouthAfrica

#OldVineArticle The Old Vine Registry hit a massive milestone earlier this month with 10,000 registered vines, and we couldn’t be prouder to see South Africa at the centre of the conversation. A huge thank you to @shep310 for the fantastic feature in @decanter ! Not only does she explore this global achievement, she also highlights the #OldVineProject and six of our members’ wines: the perfect starting point for your next tasting experience! Next time you’re shopping, look for the Certified Heritage Vineyard seal on the bottle to experience the unmistakable character of #oldvines for yourself. 🍷 📸: @kaapzichtwines ’ Kliprug Chenin bush vines planted in 1982 Full article at canter.com 🔗 #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #SouthAfrica

South Africa is home to some of the world’s most remarkable old vineyards, and the Old Vine Project is leading the charge to protect and promote them. ⁠ ⁠ The Old Vine Project (OVP) is a nonprofit organization that was founded to preserve vines aged 35 years and older, and share their ability to produce wine with depth, character, and a true sense of place. Promoting responsible farming and respect for the land means South Africa will continue to preserve these historic vineyards, and add to the number of vineyards reaching old age. Older vines naturally yield less fruit, so what they do produce is often more concentrated and expressive of site. ⁠ ⁠ You can spot OVP-certified wines by their Certified Heritage Vineyards seal—a mark that guarantees the vines are at least 35 years old and farmed with care. Many of these vineyards are dry-farmed and deeply rooted, making them more resilient and uniquely reflective of South Africa’s diverse terroirs.⁠

As we continue our 25-year celebration, our next spotlight is on a true visionary of the South African vine: Rosa Kruger🍇 Originally a lawyer and journalist, Rosa followed her calling into viticulture, becoming a world-renowned vineyard expert and the founder of the Old Vine Project. Her tireless work in identifying and protecting South Africa’s oldest vineyards has fundamentally changed the landscape of our wine industry, ensuring these “living monuments” are preserved for future generations. In 2020, we introduced the Rosa Kruger Trophy for Best Old Vine Wine to honour her extraordinary dedication to our viticultural heritage. #InvestecTWS2026 #CelebrateExcellence 📷 @timatkinmw @wine.co.za @worldoffinewine @oldvineproject

If You Want to Understand a Wine, Spend a Day With the Person Who Made It Some of the best wines I tasted in South Africa weren’t in a tasting room. They were at the beach. It was my first trip to South Africa, yet I already felt deeply connected to the place and its people. One of the people who came into my life through wine was winemaker Ian Naudé, and our shared love for South African wine grew into a long-distance friendship, built over tastings in London over the years. I’d always said that one day I’d make it to South Africa and when I did, this Ian would reach out to that Ian, and we’d meet. So we did exactly that. But instead of planning a tasting, we planned a day. We started with lunch at his local spot, opening a selection of his wines and talking about everything but wine, at least at first. For those unfamiliar, Ian’s winemaking is rooted in place and terroir, celebrating the land and the incredible old vines he holds close to his heart. We tasted through four wines, including his 2023 Old Vines Langpad (100% Colombard) and 2017 Old Vine Cinsault, two wines that always seem to stir something in me. His wines are deeply expressive of terroir and undergo lees ageing, with grapes largely sourced from Swartland. It’s his precision in the vineyard and timing at harvest that truly define his style. Back at his house, we had a proper South African braaibroodjie. We returned to unfinished bottles and listened to the sounds of nature. Just that perfect evening of food, wine, and conversation. Ians wines simply belong to the place, to the moment, to the people around them. The way Ian speaks about harvest is almost poetic. His attention to detail goes beyond winemaking, it’s love, it’s life. It’s the responsibility of capturing South Africa in a bottle and representing it with honesty. The Old Vines Soutbos (salt bush) we opened earlier in the day was now showing in a whole new way, saline, almost echoing the ocean air around us. Fresh, effortless. That day wasn’t just a highlight of my trip. It reminded me why I love wine in the first place. Not for the notes, the scores, or the labels. But for days like this.

With the Vine School kicking off on 19 May, we have an exciting highlight to share: a guest session on #BiodynamicFarming with the fantastic @reynekewines team! We are offering this as a standalone session for those who want to deepen their understanding of farming in harmony with nature. Biodynamic Farming Session details: Date: Thursday, 21 May Time: 11:00 – 12:30 Cost: R1,000 per person Availability: Strictly limited spaces To register for the Biodynamic session, contact us via [email protected]. See you in the vines! 🍇🌱 📸: Reyneke Wines #OldVineProject #VineyardWorkersDevelopment #SouthAfrica

Drink with purpose. Every #CertifiedHeritageVineyard seal carries a traceable history that stretches back decades. When you choose a bottle with this seal, you’re doing more than enjoying world-class wine; you’re directly supporting the farmers, vineyard workers, and producers dedicated to protecting South Africa’s most valuable viticultural assets. By choosing OVP-certified wines, you become part of the movement to safeguard South Africa’s irreplaceable heritage blocks for generations to come. Explore more facts and insights via the link in our bio. #OldVineProject #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #OldVinesYoungVibes #SouthAfrica

You never actually own a heritage vineyard. You merely look after it for the next generation…

#OldVineDocumentary ‘It all began in 1655 with the first Dutch vineyards. Since then, the vineyard has constantly evolved, adapting to changing consumption patterns, climate challenges—sometimes among the toughest in the world—and a new generation that is reinventing everything. One thing is certain: when tradition and audacity meet, the future can be magnificent.’ - Jérémy Perocheau (@just_wine_guy ) Our sincere gratitude to Jérémy Perocheau and his team for their keen interest in South Africa’s viticultural heritage through their documentary, Le vin en Afrique du Sud: un pari sur l’avenir / Wine in South Africa: A Bet on the Future! This documentary beautifully captures the dedication of the people behind our labels, showcasing the heart of one of the New World’s most historic wine regions. Be sure to watch the video to see several Old Vine Project producers share their stories, hopes, and vision for the future. It’s an inspiring journey you don’t want to miss! 🍇🇿🇦 🎥 @heliatus.fr Video link in our bio. #OldVineProject #CertifiedHeritageVineyards #SouthAfrica

As the world’s interest in authentic, site-driven wines reaches new heights, South Africa’s #CertifiedHeritageVineyards have emerged as a national treasure. While many see a beautiful vineyard, old vine enthusiasts and dedicated projects around the world see something deeper: the resilient survivors of rugged landscapes. The #OldVineProject is proud to stand alongside the viticulturists and guardians across every continent who are dedicated to ensuring these gnarled legends are recognised, protected, and celebrated. Discover the stories behind the vines and the wines at the link in our bio. 🍇 #OldVinesYoungVibes #OldVines #SouthAfrica