The Heritage

Of Diemersdal Estate

Diemersdal Wine Estate, situated in the glorious Cape Winelands of South Africa lies on the cool slopes of the Drostberg, Durbanville. Our history dates as far back as 1698, to the time of Simon van der Stel and the early beginnings of South African winemaking. Since 1885, six generations of the Louw family have been practising the art of fine winemaking at Diemersdal. The main varieties grown on the Estate are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. The 200 hectares of vines are grown in dryland conditions, allowing the grapes to ripen uniformly, developing rich, concentrated flavours. Six generations of winemakers over two centuries have shared the same passion, creating the unique and soulful Diemersdal wines which give the perfect expression of the distinct Durbanville terroir. 

Six Generations of Skill and Passion

Our History

Anno 1698

1660

First commercial wine farmer in Cape

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

Diemersdal formally established

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

Farm is auctioned

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

An interesting discovery

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

First formal wine production at Diemersdal

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

End of Diemer era

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

Ownership returns to Louw family

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.

Diemersdal Wine Estate Crest
1885

First generation of Louw's

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 Louw acquires entirety of Diemersdal

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

First wine under own label

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

First Sauvignon Blanc

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's first wine

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.

2013

General Smuts Trophy

Diemersdal wins the General Smuts Trophy as overall Best Wine at the South African Young Wine Show with the MM Louw Sauvignon Blanc.

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.