Groenekloof is a wine-producing region on the south-western coast of South Africa, just 30 miles (48km) north of Cape Town. Lying at the southern end of the larger Darling district in the foothills of Dassenberg mountain, Groenekloof is known for its high-quality wines made from Sauvignon Blanc.
Groenekloof enjoys a maritime climate and is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean just 10 miles (16km) to the west. Hot mornings are followed by cooling afternoon breezes that bring relief and refreshment to the grapes. This, along with regular ocean fogs, helps to lengthen the ripening season and allows grapes to retain acidity while developing complex fruit flavors. The stronger south-easterly winds restrict the growth of vegetation in the vines and cause them to grow smaller berries with thicker skins. This also contributes to complexity in the resultant wine.
A large proportion of vineyards planted in Groenekloof are bush vines. While this is traditional for native Rhone Valley varieties such as Shiraz and Viognier, it is not so for the Sauvignon Blanc grown here in this manner. In fact, the wider region of Darling is unique for its bush-vine Sauvignon Blanc.
Viticulturists in Groenekloof favor a dryland wine-growing technique where the vines are not irrigated. The region's red soils, made of decomposed granite, retain enough water to keep the vines hydrated during the growing season. The dryland practice works particularly well with bush vines, which are resistant to drought and have naturally low yields. This technique helps to produce grapes with more concentrated flavors.
Groenekloof, as a part of the larger Darling district, became an independent wine-producing area under the Wine of Origin scheme in 2003. It was formerly part of Swartland in the east, but its wines were deemed individual enough to be classified separately. Along with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are important grape varieties grown in the area.
