Discover the exquisite Brunia Wines, nurtured in the unique microclimate of Sondagskloof on the South Coast. Embodying elegance and local biodiversity, their pinot noir and syrah reveal the essence of this distinct terroir with every sip.
Wade Sanders, the winemaker and director of Brunia Wines, never imagined that he would one day be responsible for creating one of the most unique wine brands in South Africa.
Sanders’ fascination with wine was nurtured by his father’s modest wine collection. This interest, combined with a family inclination towards agriculture, sparked an idea that soon blossomed into a serious business venture.
“My brother and I both pursued careers in agriculture,” Sanders says in an interview with Food For Mzansi for the Faces of Winter campaign. “It got to a point where our father saw our passion and what started out as a joke became a more serious discussion about investing in land and starting a family project.”
This dream found its home in Sondagskloof, a new and relatively small appellation situated on the South Coast, nestled in the mountains between Stanford and Napier. The region’s unique geography, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, creates a distinct microclimate perfect for viticulture.
“Sondagskloof is a very unique setting for winegrowing. We have the Atlantic Ocean moderating our temperatures, and being situated in the mountains adds an extra layer of complexity to our growing conditions,” Sanders explains.
Surrounded by brunia flowers
Named after the rare silver brunia flower native to the Cape Floral Kingdom, Brunia Wines reflects the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
“Our farm is blessed with an abundance of silver brunia, and it very much speaks of the place. All our vineyards are surrounded by fynbos, and a lot of the farm is still dedicated to conservation. We believe this harmony influences the quality and characteristics of our wine,” Sanders says with pride.
When he and his family took over the farm, it was set up for conventional agriculture. As non-generational farmers, sustainability became a core focus for them. They embarked on the challenging process of transitioning the farm to organic practices.
“The vines were used to operating in a certain way, so there were challenges both in our vision and the practicalities of achieving it,” Sanders says.
Today, the vines are thriving, and they are farming in a way that takes care of the land.
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Herbal fynbos notes
For Sanders, wine is not just a job. It is something he genuinely enjoys. On the South Coast, the wine industry is a very close-knit community. There, many young winemakers like himself often network and share ideas.
Brunia Wines’ offerings, such as the elegant Brunia Pinot Noir and the complex Brunia Syrah, are a testament to the unique terroir of Sondagskloof.
The Brunia Pinot Noir, made from a single vineyard, benefits from the sandstone and quartz soil, giving it a chiselled character and structure. This wine offers herbal notes on the nose and is very fruity and light on the palate, embodying elegance in every sip.
“The wines from Sondagskloof are generally quite elegant. We saw the potential in this undiscovered region and were excited by the opportunity to tell its story through our wines.
“Within the South African context, you won’t find many wines that taste like those from Sondagskloof,” Sanders says.
The Brunia Syrah is crafted with minimal intervention, presenting an elegant nose with deeper, darker, and spicy notes. These wines are perfect for collecting due to their bright and fresh acidity. “Lingering in the background is that herbal fynbos note that’s a trademark throughout all our wine.”
Sanders adds, “These wines are great for collecting.”
Within the South African context, you might find it difficult to find wines that taste of Sondagskloof or have the same expressions, the proud owner says.
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