The Story of Haute Cabrière

Story-of-Haute-Cabriere-About-History-Franschhoek

As 1994 marked a year of transformation for South Africa, it also heralded a pivotal moment for Cabrière. With the construction of our new cellar under way, slated for completion on 22 December 1994, Achim von Arnim, our founding Cellar Master, grappled with a challenge as unique as the wines he was crafting. The question: how to preserve the legacy of Cabrière while embracing a new chapter high above the Franschhoek valley?

Achim’s guiding mantra, “Cabrière, the home of Pierre Jourdan,” reflected the close relationship between these two historic names. However, with the second cellar’s location on the eastern slopes of Middagkrans mountain, Achim knew that change was inevitable. Diplomatically, he approached the descendants of the original Cabrière farm—families who, over three centuries and ten generations, had inherited pieces of the land. Despite his respectful overtures, one family rallied the others to resist his use of the name “Cabrière” for the new cellar.

Achim was tasked with modifying the name if he wished to use it across the valley. Frustrated, he shared the dilemma with a wine-loving friend fluent in French. The friend’s advice? Elevate the name—literally. “You are high above the valley now,” they said. “In French, the adjective for ‘high’ is ‘haute.’ Why not call it Haute Cabrière?”

The suggestion brought peace to the valley and a new identity to the von Arnim legacy. Thus, Haute Cabrière became the name of the cellar, the restaurant, and the daringly innovative Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend.

Haute Cabriere History Wall

A Name Steeped in Quality

Looking back, what initially seemed like a challenge turned into a blessing. In French, haute signifies the highest quality, as seen in terms like Haute Cuisine and Haute Couture. Today, Haute Cabrière stands as the valley’s most recognised name, embodying excellence in every bottle. It’s a testament to Achim’s determination and the serendipity that seems to follow our story.

 

Adding a delightful twist, during a visit to Champagne, Hildegard von Arnim pointed out a village called Hautvillers—the birthplace of Dom Pérignon’s legendary methods. This uncanny parallel felt like destiny itself, further cementing the connection between Haute Cabrière and the heritage of fine winemaking.

The Secret behind Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir

Since 1994, the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has been the cornerstone of Haute Cabrière’s winemaking philosophy. Drawing from his mastery of the Cap Classique method (mirroring the traditional Champagne method), Achim crafted a wine that balances elegance and richness.

As Achim often quoted Champagne expert André Simon: “Chardonnay contributes elegance, Pinot Noir intensity and richness.” This balance is the essence of Haute Cabrière’s signature wine. By harvesting grapes early, the wine achieves a refreshingly moderate alcohol level of 12.5%, preserving the vibrant acidity that defines its character.

This blend has enchanted Chardonnay lovers and even converted sceptics. Those who once declared, “I don’t like Chardonnay!” find themselves pleasantly surprised by its delicate complexity.

Haute Cabriere wine in the Franschhoek Valley

A Legacy of Ingenuity

Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir has become more than a wine; it’s a symbol of overcoming challenges with creativity and passion. It represents the spirit of the Franschhoek valley and the pioneering vision of Achim von Arnim.

 

Today, every sip of Haute Cabrière carries the story of a name, a place, and a blend that rose above expectations—quite literally. So, raise your glass and toast to the magic of Haute Cabrière, where history, innovation, and quality converge. Cheers!

von Arnim Family wall at Haute Cabriere

 To order from outside of South Africa, please visit our international retail list

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Haute Cabrière Wine Tasting in Franschhoek

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Haute Cabrière Restaurant Franschhoek

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Haute Cabrière Bakery & Deli Franschhoek

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