Diemersdal Wine Estate

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Welcome To The Home

of Diemersdal Wine Estate

Set on the cool slopes of the Durbanville Wine Valley, Diemersdal is shaped by six generations of family stewardship. Proximity to the Atlantic brings a defining cool-climate influence, shaping wines of clarity, freshness and structure. Farming in step with the land, each vintage reflects both place and precision.
A legacy rooted in the land, carried forward with intent.

Our History

Anno 1698

1660

In January 1660, Jan Pietersz Louw, known as Broertjie, arrives at the Cape of Good Hope and becomes a free burgher. He is granted land along the Liesbeek River, where he establishes himself as a farmer on Louwvliet. Despite the challenges of early colonial life, his resilience sees him become one of the most successful farmers in the region, with opgaafrolle (tax records) already reflecting his progress as a winegrower.

1698

Hendrik Sneewind is granted land in the Tygerberg by Governor Simon van der Stel on 18 September 1698. The title deed records the name Diemersdal for the first time. While Sneewind owns the farm, he continues to reside at nearby Rouwkoop along the Liesbeek River, maintaining close ties with the Louw family. By this time, the foundations of farming — and likely early vineyards — are already taking shape.

1701

Following Sneewind’s death, Diemersdal is sold at public auction on 7 November 1701. His son-in-law, Abraham Diemer, purchases the farm for 8,100 guilders. The Sneewind, Diemer and Louw families remain closely connected, with shared ties reflected in church and family life.

1702

The opgaafrolle (tax returns) of 1702 reflect a thriving farm. Under Abraham Diemer’s ownership, Diemersdal is already well established, with livestock, grain production and approximately 18,000 vines planted on the estate.

1705

Wine production at Diemersdal is formally recorded for the first time. The estate produces 10 leggers of wine (approximately 5,770 litres), while vineyard plantings expand to 25,000 vines — marking the beginning of a winemaking tradition that continues today.

1713

By 1712, Diemersdal has grown significantly, with 36,000 vines and increasing wine production. In 1713, the smallpox epidemic devastates the Cape. Abraham Diemer, his wife Anna, and one of their children pass away. The estate inventory records a thriving farm, with over 12,000 litres of wine in the cellar. With the remaining children still minors, Diemersdal is sold, marking the end of the Diemer era.

1863

After passing through several owners, Diemersdal returns to the Louw family when a portion of the farm is acquired in 1863 — re-establishing a connection that dates back to the earliest years of the Cape.

1885

Diemersdal becomes the home of the Matthys Michiel branch of the Louw family. From this point onward, the farm remains in Louw family ownership, carrying forward a legacy rooted in generations of farming and winemaking.

1913

Matthys Michiel Smuts Louw acquires Diemersdal in its entirety, consolidating the estate into a single property of approximately 406 hectares, shaping the farm as it is known today.

1979

Diemersdal is officially declared a wine estate and releases its first wine under its own label — Diemersdal Private Collection — marking a new chapter in the estate’s modern identity.

1990

Recognising the potential of Sauvignon Blanc in the Cape’s cool-climate conditions, Diemersdal releases its first Sauvignon Blanc — a decision that would go on to define the estate’s reputation.

2006

Thys Louw joins Diemersdal, representing the sixth generation of the family to farm the land. His first release, Eight Rows Sauvignon Blanc, pays tribute to the eight rows of vines once entrusted to him — a story that reflects both heritage and progression.

Our Wine Stories

Discover Our Wines

Inside every bottle of Diemersdal wine there’s a story. Embark on a journey and discover our wines.

Select a Wine to Learn More

Eight Rows Sauvignon Blanc

Diemersdal Premium Wines

This legendary wine is the first made by Thys Louw after joining his father Tienie on Diemersdal. The fledgling young winemaker was only given access to eight rows of vines within a premium Sauvignon Blanc vineyard. Quality of fruit and the talent of the winemaker led to a captivating wine that has today become the stuff of legend, still made from those first eight rows.

Winemaker's Notes

An intense Sauvignon Blanc with concentrated aromas on the nose that follows through on the palate. The wine shows a strong core of minerality with a flinty elegance on the nose with a rounded mouth-feel with nectarine and kiwi, and balanced acidity on the finish. A seamless wine where all the components are in perfect balance.

Food Suggestions

Pan-seared tuna or fresh salmon with a fennel and olive oil dressing.

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Pinotage Reserve

Diemersdal Premium Wines

South Africa’s most famous home-grown grape variety has been suited to the Durbanville area for decades, the cool coastal climate bringing a ream of fresh complexity to this famous red wine. This is one of Diemersdal’s stalwart red wines that represents a cherished part of the Louw family’s wine-making heritage.

Winemaker's Notes

Full bodied with dark berry and plum flavours and well balanced with complex aromas from French Oak barrels. A wine with a long lingering finish.

Food Suggestions

Ostrich fillet with chocolate-chilli sauce, rack of lamb or a hearty beef stew should all pair well with this bold Pinotage.

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Sauvignon Blanc Reserve

Diemersdal Premium Wines

Focused and refined, this wine is made from the highest vineyard block on Diemersdal from where Table Mountain and False Bay can be seen. Hand-harvesting of limited fruit volumes ensures true varietal expression of Diemersdal’s dryland-farmed Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaker's Notes

Purity of fruit is the most pronounced feature of this wine. Made from elevated Sauvignon Blanc vineyards at close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Notes of citrus zest and lime, paving the way for tropical fruit on the mid-palate, featuring vibrant hints of passion-fruit and gooseberry. Powerful yet elegant, this award-winning Sauvignon Blanc combines focus and complexity with the appeal and charm expected from a white wine of true class and a real taste of place.

Food Suggestions

Full flavoured seafood dishes and creamy soup or blackened, spicy pan-fried fish.

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Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc

Diemersdal Premium Wines

Diemersdal’s reputation for pushing the boundaries with Sauvignon Blanc is expressed in this innovative wine style.

After harvest, the juice for this wine was frozen at -20 degrees celsius and kept in this state for five months. It was then thawed and fermented in the heart of the Cape winter, producing a uniquely tropical style of Sauvignon blanc totally unique for South Africa.

Winemaker's Notes

A new world style of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine has intense aromas of gooseberries, tropical fruit and sweet-grapefruit with a core of minerality. The excellent natural acidity creates balance to the concentrated, rich mouth-filling texture.

Food Suggestions

Full flavoured seafood dishes and creamy soup or blackened, spicy pan-fried fish.

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The Journal Pinotage

Diemersdal Premium Wines

The Journal represents the ultimate expression of Diemersdal terroir, the farm where six generations of the Louw family have been cultivating grapes for the making of fine wines. The Journal implies the continuous, the living and the evolving. It ensures the events of time are captured and recorded as momenta – reminders of generations past and a reference for generations to come. The supreme quality of this range and the craftmanship with which The Journal wines are made, these are the result of Diemersdal’s tradition and its previous generations of wine farmers.

Winemaker's Notes

This wine delivers intense and bold berry flavours with great complexity with savoury and spicy notes as well as soft and velvety tannins.

Food Suggestions

Classic old-world dishes such as roast lamb with fresh garden vegetables.

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Diemersdal The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and additional wine showcase

The Private Cellar Club

Exclusive Benefits & Access

Welcome to the Diemersdal Private Cellar Club. A wine club created for the ardent wine lover. A club where you are one of an inspired group of loyal Diemersdal enthusiasts. In this club you will receive early access to new vintages, exclusive access to limited wines and older vintages, invitations to Private Cellar Club events, and special pricing on your favourite Diemersdal wines.

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Diemersdal Wine Estate

Welcome To The Home

Our History

Our Wine Stories

Winemaker's Notes

Food Suggestions

Winemaker's Notes

Food Suggestions

Winemaker's Notes

Food Suggestions

Winemaker's Notes

Food Suggestions

Winemaker's Notes

Food Suggestions

The Private Cellar Club

Shop Our Wines

Sign Up for Our
Newsletter

Quick Links

Hours

Policies

Contact Us

Château de bordeaux

Diemersdal Wine Estate

Welcome To The Home

Our History

1660

1698

1701

1702

1705

1713

1863

1885

1913

1979

1990

2006

Our Wine Stories

The Private Cellar Club

Shop Our Wines

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Château de bordeaux

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Newsletter

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