Louisvale started producing wine shortly after it was acquired in 1988 by the previous two owners. Over the next decade, Louisvale built up a reputation for high quality wines and established a strong presence in retail and upmarket restaurants in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It also marketed wine in the United Kingdom and Europe and obtained shelf space in retail outlets such as Sainsbury and Harrods.

In the 1950’s Louisvale was subdivided into two 30 hectare portions that were named Louisvale and Nooitgedachtrespectively and were under separate ownership. In 2010 Louisvale was acquired by the current owner. It has approximately thirteen hectares of vineyards,  of which some eight hectares are planted with Chardonnay. This represents the maximum plantable area. Nooitgedacht was also acquired shortly after. It comprises nine hectares,of which four are Chardonnay, two are Merlot, two Cabernet Sauvignon and one hectare of Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which were already established when the farm was purchased. The two properties are farmed as a unit.

 We are proud that since acquisition our winemaker Simon Smith has been pivotal in our efforts to raise quality and this has led to numerous awards and accolades being received.

Louisvale wines can be found in supermarkets, restaurants and hotels and guesthouses throughout South Africa and have been selected for airlines and airport lounges. Our wines can be found in Germany, Belgium, Holland, the United Kingdom and China.

The vineyards are all east-facing and planted in an east-west direction. The Bottelary Hill to the west offers welcome shade in the peak of summer when the sun sets behind it allowing for slower ripening and richer fruit development. Deep, well-drained Hutton and Clovelly decomposed granite soils ensure that the vineyards remain ‘dryland’ until after the harvest, after which the vines are irrigated.

Louisvale is nestled in the foothills of the 3 million-year old Cape Folded Mountains and as a result a novel approach was taken for the newly built function area that is adjacent to our hundred year old manor house, which was rumoured to have been designed by Sir Herbert Baker but was more probably designed in his style rather than by the old master himself. The new design takes all the history into account.