Our History
Croydon Vineyard Estate boasts a rich heritage deeply rooted in the heart of the Cape. Originally a flourishing fruit farm, the estate underwent a transformative journey in 2005 when its character was redefined. The decision to plant vineyards marked the beginning of a new chapter, establishing Croydon as a dynamic blend of residential elegance and thriving wine production.
Today, the estate stands as a testament to this harmonious coexistence. Our homes, meticulously designed in the classic Cape vernacular style, pay homage to the region’s historical architecture. This architectural integrity coexists seamlessly with the estate’s modern amenities, creating a unique and inviting environment.
At the heart of Croydon lies our vineyards, meticulously tended to produce exceptional wines. In our state-of-the-art wine cellar, our prized vintages mature gracefully in oak barrels. Croydon Vineyard Estate is more than just a place to live; it’s a journey through time, where history and contemporary luxury intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.
Vineyards
Croydon Vineyard Estate is renowned for its harmonious blend of residential living and viticulture. Our vineyards, a picturesque tapestry woven into the estate’s landscape, contribute significantly to the unique character of Croydon.
Producing an average of 40 tonnes of grapes annually, with exceptional yields exceeding 60 tonnes in favorable years, our vineyards are a testament to the region’s ideal growing conditions. A diverse range of nine grape varietals thrives in our terroir, providing the foundation for our exceptional wines.
From the crisp elegance of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc to the robust richness of Pinotage, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec our vineyards offer a symphony of flavors. Each varietal is carefully nurtured to reach its full potential, resulting in wines that authentically reflect the essence of Croydon.
Wine Making
Croydon is situated on a unique terior close to the False Bay coastline. Creating our own unique microclimate that brings that uniqueness through in our wines.
Under the watchful eye of acclaimed winemaker Rikus Neethling, Croydon Vineyard Estate employs a meticulous winemaking process that harmonizes tradition with innovation. Our grapes, carefully selected for their optimal ripeness, undergo a gentle transformation into exquisite wines. In our cellar, we utilize a combination of age-old techniques and modern equipment to extract the finest essence of our terroir. French oak barrels impart complexity and elegance, while ceramic eggs contribute to a unique texture and character. For certain wines, the purity of stainless steel tanks is preferred to preserve vibrant fruit flavors. The result is a range of wines that reflect the distinctive character of Croydon Vineyard Estate.
The Winemaker
Avid sportsman Rikus Neethling excelled in cricket. Still, he would never guess that Australia’s Hunter Valley would ignite a competitive arena where the playing field is planted with rows and rows vines.
In 2006, curiosity led Rikus Neethling to a charming appellation in the south of France’s Languedoc region, Piqpoul de Pinet. Based in the village of Pomérols, nestled between vineyards and the étang de Thau lagoon, pub visits were interspersed by locals desperately trying to teach him French. He might not have returned to South Africa silver-tongued in French, but his experience produced a word that became instrumental in his true quest. On his return to South Africa, Rikus bought a ring from his savings and asked his fiancé to marry him. Her answer was sealed with a bisous, and they were married the following year.
And then there was Bizoe – a blend of love and the art of winemaking.
The 2015 vintage was Rikus’s first vintage at Croydon.