VAN LOGGERENBERG, South Africa

Lukas, a 2018 Young Winemaker of the Year and recent inductee into the Cape Winemakers’ Guild, sources fruit from top sites in Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Paarl, making low-intervention, site-specific wines from vineyards mainly in the Stellenbosch and Swartland appellations that exemplify freshness and site purity. With a focus on cultivars like Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, Van Loggerenberg crafts vibrant wines that are aromatic, textural, and mineral-rich—true reflections of place and vintage.

Viticulture

All vineyards are managed organically, with dry-farmed bush vines and a strong commitment to minimal intervention and ecological balance. Lukas works directly with pioneering growers in the Swartland, Paarl, Polkadraai Hills, Paardeberg, and Rawsonville—often utilising old vines dating from the 1960s to 1980s. Harvest is performed by hand, with grapes typically picked early to preserve acidity and a sense of precision.

Winemaking

Van Loggerenberg follows a low-intervention philosophy, treating grapes gently and letting terroir shine. Winemaking is natural and unpretentious. Spontaneous fermentations using indigenous yeasts, minimal or no additions—only a small dose of sulphur at bottling. He practices variety-specific ageing, whites in stainless steel, concrete or old oak (e.g., Kameraderie Chenin: concrete + old oak), Reds like Breton, Geronimo, Graft and High Hopes see whole-bunch ferment, time on skins (up to 21 days for Graft), and ageing in old oak, foudre or concrete for around 11 months. The result is a portfolio of wines that balance aromatic vibrancy with structural nuance—finely tuned, expressive and utterly satisfying.