The summer of 2019 was an unusual one to say the least. The Western Cape was still experiencing its three year drought and the expectation was that the summer season would be exceptionally hot and dry. In October 2018, a very unexpected heat wave hit the Cape Winelands area, which caught most wine-farmers off guard during the blossoming period.

At Woestkloof we had to irrigate to ensure minimal loss in our vineyards. The ripening period in January and February was then unusually cooler than expected, which in effect was very positive for the over all grape analysis and the quality of the wine.

Then in March, came an unbelievable and very unseasonable amount of rain, which was very concerning to many wine farmers with later varietals. We had fortunately harvested our Cabernet Sauvignon just prior to these rains. The quality of our grapes from all our varietals were really exceptional.