From Huguenot heritage to wine vision
The history of the estate begins in 1783, when the governor of the Cape Colony granted the land to the French Huguenot Abraham Andries le Roux – at a time when the valley between Paarl and Franschhoek produced more wine than any other region in South Africa. More than two centuries later, in 2001, company founder Martin Venter discovered the dilapidated wine farm from the air and recognized the potential of the location on the Berg River. He bought the land and brought the vines back into cultivation. Translated from French, Val de Vie means “Valley of Life” – a name that still carries the revival of the place today.
Between Drakenstein and Simonsberg: Terroir and choice of grape varieties
The winery is framed by the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountain ranges, on the banks of the Berg River, in the middle of the Cape Winelands between Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. This location ensures a natural water supply and a Mediterranean climate with cooling mountain winds in the afternoon.
Instead of the Bordeaux varieties common in the Western Cape, the estate consistently focuses on the Rhône: Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Ugni Blanc grow on the white side, and Petite Syrah, Cinsaut, Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Shiraz among the red varieties. Since 2006, the winery has consistently pursued this Rhône style and is now one of the most comprehensive growers of this range of varieties outside of France.
From Polo Club to Barista: The range
In the cellar of L'Huguenot Vinoteque, the two lines Val de Vie and Polo Club are created – from accessible everyday wines to more concentrated cuvées that reveal the estate's Rhône signature.
The Barista range, which also includes the Val de Vie Barista Chardonnay, stands for the accessible, fruit-driven everyday style of the house. Serve the Chardonnay chilled at around 10 to 12 degrees, for example with light poultry, grilled fish or a mild cheese platter – an uncomplicated companion that combines the South African sun with the freshness of the surrounding mountain ranges.
