Raats Family Wines

Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.

Viticulture

Vineyard parcels are situated on decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils within the Polkadraai Hills and surrounding Stellenbosch area, believing these sites best express South Africa’s terroir for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The vines are often dry‑land, south‑facing, and planted at elevations of 300–400 metres to enhance mineral expression and sense of place. Many parcels are low‑yielding, including old bush vines and new high-density plantings, producing roughly 6–7 tons per hectare, with all grapes hand‑picked or carefully managed to meet Raats’s exacting standards.

Winemaking

In the cellar, minimal intervention is fundamental and wines are crafted to highlight the vineyard’s natural characteristics, with limited or no oak used for fresher styles, and manipulation is kept to a minimum. Sustainability and long-term soil care underpin all viticultural practices, with an emphasis on maintaining vine health and soil structure. The aim is to produce wines that faithfully reflect their terroir while leaving the vineyards in better condition for future generations.