The Wine
Donkiesbaai finds its grapes far from the shoreline, in the hot, dry reaches of the Piekenierskloof, some 80 kilometres inland from the west coast. Here, bush vines of Steen, Grenache Noir and Cinsault grow low to the ground, shaped by heat, altitude and the steady cooling caress of west coast winds. The resulting wines are supple and finely etched, carrying freshness and quiet intensity – an effortless match for the simple, seafood-driven fare of the west coast.
Discover our selection
From a life-enriching place
Donkiesbaai Steen
Intense fruit dried apple and pineapple
Steen – our local name for Chenin Blanc – was the original Donkiesbaai wine made in 2011. The old vineyards that feed into this wine were officially certified in 2023, and today the Steen stands as a quiet benchmark for Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Layered, fresh and textured, it’s a natural partner to rich seafood dishes, where its balance and energy really come into their own.
Donkiesbaai Grenache Blanc
Bright acidity and citrus blossom
Grenache Blanc joined the Donkiesbaai family in 2019 and has quietly won over curious wine lovers. With a warm, sun-kissed charm and vibrant floral notes, it balances freshness with gentle texture. Lightly crafted to let its natural charm shine, it’s a wine that feels at home on any table, especially with vibrant, flavourful dishes.
Donkiesbaai Cinsault
Vibrant, pale ruby.
Grown on very old, dry-land bush vines planted in 1967, this Cinsault thrives in deep, sandy soils that bring out its light, floral charm. Planted on their own rootstock, these vines offer the purest, unfiltered expression of the variety. A beautiful, expressive summer red, best served chilled.
Donkiesbaai Grenache Noir
Bright red fruit jumps out of the glass.
Grenache Noir is the longest-standing red in the Donkiesbaai range and a favourite for its bright, lively character. Fresh, perfumed, and lightly spicy, it’s endlessly versatile at the table. Look for the surfer donkey on the label – a cheeky reminder that this wine shines best chilled on a hot summer day, with the ocean in view.
Donkiesbaai Suiderkruis - 2024
Expressive berry and peppercorn
Suiderkruis is our take on a Southern-Rhône style blend, named for the Southern Cross that guided explorers around the Cape of Good Hope. Four varieties come together – one for each star in the constellation – creating a medium-bodied, layered wine bursting with bright fruit, gentle spice, and floral whispers. It’s a wine made to enjoy slowly, sharing stories and sunsets at the table.
Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn
Glowing gold in colour
Hooiwijn starts with the same grapes as our Steen, naturally dried on straw mats to concentrate flavours and sugars. Gently pressed and slowly transformed in barrels, the wine develops rich, sun-kissed aromas of apricot, mango, and honey, balanced by bright acidity. Limited in number, it’s a handcrafted expression of patience, sun, and pure Chenin Blanc joy.
