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It was 1994, a year marked by unusually hot conditions, challenging the cellar team of Haute Cabrière. Achim von Arnim, our visionary founder, faced a dilemma while harvesting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes destined for the Pierre Jourdan Brut. Due to a sudden heat, the sugar levels were unsuitable for our traditional Cap Classique style. But never one to shy away from a challenge and think creatively – an idea sparked…
Forced to think outside the bottle (as it were), Achim made an unprecedented move. Together with his cellar team, they crafted South Africa’s very first still wine blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This was a bold move that would have immense impact on South Africa’s wine industry. Armed with a pioneering spirit and commitment to quality, Haute Cabrière propelled into uncharted territories, with a legendary blend that continues to shine even now, 30 years later.
Amidst the vines of Franschhoek in 1994, Haute Cabrière hosted a gathering of wine enthusiasts eager to sample South Africa’s latest wine creation. Paired with Mediterranean delights, the Chardonnay Pinot Noir revealed its true essence—a symphony of flavours and textures dancing on the palate—the true marriage of food and wine. The verdict was unanimous; this wine was destined for greatness and would be a timeless addition to Haute Cabrière’s esteemed cellar, and indeed the landscape of South African wines.
As the years unfolded, the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir continued to captivate all types of wine lovers. With a delicate balance of citrus freshness from Chardonnay and a velvet texture provided by Pinot Noir, the blend was elevated to a league of its own.
Though many have followed in our footsteps and crafted their own South African Chardonnay Pinot Noir blends, Haute Cabrière will forever be the original, the OG, and continues to engage the palettes of wine drinkers in South Africa, and around the world. Now guided by the skilled hands of our Cellar Master, Tim Hoek, each vintage preserves the essence of that original serendipitous blend.
As Haute Cabrière’s Chardonnay Pinot Noir approaches its 30th anniversary release—the 2024 vintage—its legacy looms large over the South African wine industry. What began as an experiment born of necessity has blossomed into a symbol of South African ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Today, Haute Cabrière's Chardonnay Pinot Noir stands as a beacon of our proud country’s winemaking prowess and is a testament to the von Arnim family's enduring legacy.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a cornerstone of the estate’s portfolio, this iconic blend continues to inspire other wineries, delight wine lovers, and invite you to savour the fruits of vinification innovation.
With each sip of Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir, embark on a journey through the vineyards of the Cape and South African sunshine, where tradition and innovation converge in a harmonious blend that celebrates the spirit of exploration. As we raise our glasses to toast its storied past and promising future, let us celebrate the OG Chardonnay Pinot Noir—a wine that transcends time and borders, embodying the essence of South African winemaking at its finest.
Cheers to thirty years of excellence, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Haute Cabrière’s Chardonnay Pinot Noir!
To order from outside of South Africa, please visit our international retail list.
Our warm and inviting winery team is always eager to open a bottle and introduce guests to our ranges.
Feel free to ask questions during an informative and engaging wine tasting, or delve deeper into the vision and philosophy behind our wines with a guided cellar tour.
Enjoy our family-inspired menu and tasty tapas while savouring time together over a bottle of wine.
Our glass-enclosed terrace has year-round, 180-degree views of the Franschhoek mountains and wine valley, the perfect setting for a leisurely meal with friends…
At our Bakery, the irresistible smell of fresh baked goods welcomes you.
Here, you’ll find a selection of home-baked breads and pastries, lovingly made pantry jams and treats, our full selection of wines, and more, to take home and enjoy…
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