ABOUT

Almenkerk Wine Estate, situated in the cool-climate Elgin region of South Africa, is a family-owned estate dedicated to crafting exceptional wines with precision and passion. Founded in 2004 by Joris and Natalie van Almenkerk, the estate represents a harmonious blend of their Belgian heritage and the distinctive terroir of South Africa.

Almenkerk is, at its heart, a family affair. Joris, originally a law graduate, discovered his love for winemaking during a harvest in Stellenbosch and has since become a masterful vintner known for his meticulous attention to detail. Natalie, with her background in business management and communications, is the vibrant custodian of the Almenkerk brand, guiding its evolution with grace and creativity.

Together, they have built a thriving estate that continues to push the boundaries of South African winemaking.

At Almenkerk, we focus on producing elegant wines that reflect our values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and excellence. Our philosophy is simple yet profound: create wines of the highest quality while respecting the land that nurtures them. We are dedicated to sustainable and regenerative farming practices, ensuring that our vineyards continue to thrive year after year.

We believe that great wine is crafted with intention, and every bottle we produce reflects our passion for precision, innovation, and excellence. This philosophy extends beyond wine—it’s woven into everything we do, from the architecture of our cellar to the experience we offer our visitors.

Cellar

The cellar at Almenkerk is an architectural wonder. No detail was skipped when DHK Urban Concepts designed this magnificent mountainside building to ensure panoramic views over the Elgin Valley and the Kogelberg mountains. Linking the chain-like flow of production, this space includes the fermentation cellar which is a heightened hive of activity in the summer harvest months. The maturation cellar is adjacent, harbouring barrels and the process of refining wine before bottling. Joris saw to the layout of a production area that was sensible and Natalie oversaw the space becoming soulful.

There is a deep synergy between the cellar and their Belgian-Dutch beginnings with both the cellar and the logo taking inspiration from a vierkantshoeve – the Flemish farmsteads built in the Middle Ages.

Viticulture

Michael, born and raised in Elgin, grew up on the neighbouring farm where his father was the manager. Immersed in the world of orchards and vineyards from an early age, he developed a natural affinity for farming. For over a decade, Michael has been an integral part of our team, fostering a deep connection with our single vineyard sites. Every morning during harvest, he and Joris walk the vines together, making the critical decision of when to pick.

With his gentle touch and patient approach, it’s no surprise that the A-team holds him in such high regard. While many remain behind the scenes, unnoticed despite their crucial contributions, Michael is one of those unsung heroes. He simply gets the job done, and his quiet excellence speaks for itself.

Winemaking

At Almenkerk, our winemaking philosophy marries tradition with modern innovation. Every step of the process, from harvest to vinification, is approached with meticulous care. We respect the individuality of each cultivar, allowing it to shine through in the final product.

Using a blend of modern techniques and classic methods, our winemaker Cameron Corney gives our wines the time and space they need to express their full potential.

The result is a collection of wines that are not only a testament to our unique terroir but also reflect our relentless pursuit of perfection.

Cameron is a driven and dedicated winemaker. Originally a Pretoria boy, he graduated as a winemaker from Stellenbosch University. Cameron gained experience at Kanonkop and Vergelegen before joining Almenkerk Wine Estate. He has taken on all the winemaking duties at Almenkerk, and is putting his personal stamp on the wines. Intelligent and ambitious, Cameron has proven to be a great addition to the A-team, aiming to continue the legacy of the elegant and balanced wines we love.