Although South African wines are typically classified within the New World, they actually exhibit a remarkable diversity of styles. On one hand, there are the classic wines, which employ techniques and knowledge inherited from the Old World, respecting tradition, structure, and elegance. On the other, a new generation of winemakers emerges, bold young individuals seeking to imprint their own character on their wines by exploring unique terroirs, ancient vineyards, and more natural methods, crafting unique expressions that reflect both the land and their own vision.
Among them are David and Nadia, a professional and romantic couple who create their dream wines in South Africa. Their first bottle dates back to 2010, and for several years they balanced their vinous passion with their previous jobs before fully dedicating themselves to their project. Today, they are part of that new generation of winemakers leaving an authentic mark on the South African wine landscape.
Their vineyard Hoë-Steen is part of the Old Vine Project, a non-profit organisation that certifies and preserves South Africa's historic vineyards over 35 years old, through the Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal, which indicates the original planting date. The project preserves the viticultural and cultural value of these vines, promotes more natural and sustainable practices, supports the training of viticulturists, encourages research on old vines, and ensures an economic model that allows for the conservation of these historic vineyards.
David & Nadia Hoë-Steen is a wine that embodies this entire philosophy. Its production brings together eight vineyards, 18 harvest moments, different soil types, and vines of varying ages cultivated by different farmers. It is a chenin blanc wine that encapsulates Swartland, its people, and its ancient vines. Each cluster is hand-selected, whole-pressed, and spontaneously fermented with natural yeasts, then aged for a year in used French oak barrels, allowing the complexity, concentration, and balance of the old vines to express themselves with complete purity.
Thus, David & Nadia Hoë-Steen is a tribute to the tradition of old vineyards, the history of South Africa, and the new generation of winemakers who, like David and Nadia, strive to create wines with personality, authenticity, and unique character.