Blankbottle

His rejection of convention in favour of curiosity, instinct and storytelling sets him and his wines apart. Founded in 2004, the tale of Blankbottle began when a lady came to Pieter asking for anything but Shiraz. ‘I don’t drink Shiraz’ were her exact words. He poured her a glass of wine. She loved it and bought 3 cases. It was a straight Shiraz. That was the moment he realised that people really do judge a book by its cover. By removing the cultivar from the bottle, you also remove preconceived ideas.

Each release is treated as an individual narrative, with no grape varieties listed and no fixed stylistic boundaries. Pieter owns no vineyards but seeks out top quality fruit from exceptional sites across the Western Cape, often tiny parcels that slip beneath the radar. The result is an ever-evolving portfolio of distinctive, site-driven wines, many of which are made only once and never repeated. Each label is handcrafted by Pieter, using a variety of techniques such as woodcuts, lino, pencil drawings, stencils etc. Having no indication of varietals on the label - leaving it BLANK - removing all preconceptions as to what lies beyond.

Viticulture

Viticulture is defined by exploration and precision. Pieter Walser works with a wide network of growers across the Cape, selecting from 66 vineyards based on the personality and site expression rather than reputation or variety. Two Viticulturists, Jaco Engelbrecht and Francois Hanekom work closely with farmers providing guidance and support to achieve a sustainable quality-driven approach. The team travels thousands of kilometres each harvest, often working with old vines, marginal sites and unconventional plots that offer freshness, character and natural balance. Farming approaches vary by site and grower, but the emphasis is consistent on healthy vineyards, lower yields and harvesting at optimal physiological ripeness rather than sugar levels. This flexible, site-specific sourcing allows them to capture an unusually broad spectrum of terroirs within a single producer’s range.

Winemaking

Winemaking is intentionally low-intervention and highly intuitive. Fermentations are generally spontaneous, with minimal additions and a light hand in the cellar, allowing each wine’s identity to emerge naturally. They can achieve 90 separate fermentations (Concrete egg / Amphora / neutral and new oak). Pieter Walser is known for blending late in the process, often guided as much by taste and emotion as by analytical data, and has become famous for experimental projects that challenge orthodox decision-making. Oak usage is varied and subtle, chosen to support texture rather than dominate flavour. With no obligation to consistency or repetition, each wine is treated as a standalone work, bottled when it feels complete and released as a finite expression of time, place and intent.