Last Updated: Feb 04, 2025

Harvest season has arrived in the Winelands, and the excitement at Cavalli Estate is palpable! It’s the time of year when early mornings, long days, and the magic of winemaking collide to create something extraordinary. To give you an insider’s view, we sat down with Eric Frieslaar, our viticulturist and assistant winemaker, and head winemaker, Rianie Strydom, to chat about what’s happening behind the scenes this year.

 

Q: What will be the first pick for the 2025 harvest?
Eric: Right now, it looks like Verdelho will take the lead.

 

Q: What are the anticipated challenges for the 2025 harvest?
Eric: Managing sugar concentration will be key, especially with the warmer weather accelerating ripening. Balancing sugar and acidity is crucial to determine the perfect picking time.
Rianie: For me, the challenge will be ensuring we have enough Chenin Blanc to meet demand—it’s always in high demand, and for good reason!

 

What We’re Excited About
Eric: I’m thrilled about the Bordeaux cultivars this year—smaller berries mean more concentrated flavours, which will make for expressive, stunning wines. And, of course, the Chenin Blanc block continues to shine. I can’t wait to see the beauty it produces this season.

Oh, and the little moments make harvest special too:

• 5am coffees in the vineyard (terrible coffee, but unbeatable views).
• The smell of fermenting wine in the cellar—it’s intoxicating (in the best way).
• Filling a new barrel for the first time—it’s like opening a fresh can of tennis balls, but even better!
• And let’s not forget harvest beers after a long day—it takes a lot of beer to make great wine!

Rianie: Harvest is the heart of everything we do. It’s a culmination of a year’s hard work, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing it come together in the wines we create.

 

Eric: Expect higher yields than 2024, especially for Chardonnay and Verdelho—always exciting!
Rianie: Our vineyards are maturing beautifully, offering balance and concentration in the grapes. We’re only getting better from here.

 

Q: Do you have a pre-harvest ritual to celebrate the new season?
Eric: Absolutely—popping open a bottle from a previous vintage is a must.

Rianie: For me, it’s all about spending time in the vineyards—walking the rows, tasting the grapes, and taking detailed samples. Since no two soils are exactly the same, the closer you observe and understand your vineyards, the better your decisions will be when it’s time to harvest. It’s not just a matter of picking a row from one end to the other; it’s about paying attention to how ripeness shifts within the rows. Sometimes, it means stopping mid-row and moving to the next one to ensure we’re getting the very best from each vine.

 

Q: Will there be any new trials this year?
Eric: Yes! Our Chenin Blanc is moving to 500L barrels to enhance its fruit expression. The result? A richer mouthfeel and an aromatic boost.
Rianie: We’re also experimenting with a touch of malolactic fermentation in our whites, adding creaminess without losing their signature freshness.

 

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned since your first harvest?
Eric: Don’t wear light-coloured shirts during harvest—it’s a rookie mistake! And appreciate every moment—it’s only three months of the year, and while it’s exhausting, the rewards are unforgettable.

Rianie: Patience is key. Spend as much time as you can in your vineyards, observe closely, and keep an eye on the weather—it can change everything. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new; that’s how great wines are made. And most importantly, never forget to enjoy the process—after all, winemaking should be as fun as it is rewarding!

 

Q: Aside from Stellenbosch, where was your favourite place to harvest?
Eric: Napa Valley was a game-changer—so many “toys” (aka advanced equipment) to work with, and plenty of inspiration to bring back home.

Rianie: Meursault in Burgundy, France—an absolute gem for its elegance and tradition. And of course, Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, where the rich history and world-class wines make every moment unforgettable.

At Cavalli, harvest isn’t just a season; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, dedication, and the pure joy of creating exceptional wines. As we dive into 2025, we invite you to join us on this journey—whether it’s through a glass of our Warlord or a stroll through the estate, we can’t wait to share the magic with you.

Here’s to another unforgettable vintage!