The Place
Donkiesbaai itself is a modest cottage set on a remote stretch of the west coast. A place where the Engelbrecht family holidayed with little more than what they could carry. Days were shaped by the tide and the weather: crayfish lifted from the rocks, black mussels simmered slowly in white wine with lemon, garlic and parsley. It was never about luxury, but about flavour, place and time together. A simple place for simple pleasures, the spirit of Donkiesbaai wines.
The Terroir
The Piekenierskloof lies 200km north of Cape Town, at the top of the Olifants River Mountains with an altitude ranging between 520m – 650m above sea level. The surrounding area is hot and dry, with an average rainfall of only 550mm per annum. Although the climate is warm, the altitude provides a good diurnal temperature range, with a large difference between day and night. Cool temperatures at night play a vital role in maintaining freshness and acidity in the fruit.
The Region
The Olifants River Mountains run from South to North, with relatively flat terrain stretching west toward the coast. Prevailing cold westerly winds off the Atlantic Ocean are common on summer afternoons in the Piekenierskloof, also providing essential cooling for the vines. The soils are poor sandstone soils, which are well drained and lack fertility, which aids with curbing vigour. Sandy soils also tend to provide certain characteristics, like bright fruit and a light, almost transparent quality to flavours.