Annandale is said to be the oldest farm in the premium red-wine-producing Helderberg Valley. In 1688, Governor Simon van der Stel granted the title to Jan Wismaar, the property’s first owner. The farm was originally known as Brakelsdal until the early 1800s, when the owner at the time fell in love with a woman from the Annan River Valley in Scotland — renaming the property “Annandale” in her honour.
A manor house built in the mid-1700s and a cellar that predates 1700 still stand proudly on the estate today, adding to its old-world charm and timeless sense of place.
Over the centuries, Annandale has seen many chapters — once even serving as a horse-riding school — before being revived as a working wine farm known for its handcrafted red wines. Forty-five hectares of vineyards, planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz, now thrive on the estate’s soils, producing wines of depth and distinction.
Today, Willem and Louanne Briedenhann, together with their young sons, carry forward the Annandale legacy with renewed energy and purpose. Their vision blends tradition with innovation, maintaining the focus on premium red wines while embracing sustainable farming and a deep respect for the land.
Under their care, Annandale continues to evolve — honouring its storied past while shaping an inspired future for the next generation. Visitors are warmly welcomed to experience the authenticity of Annandale in its unspoilt, traditional cellar — a place where history, family, and craftsmanship come together in every glass.
The home of vintage wines
30
Hectares under vineyards
334
Age of farm
53+
Years of winemaking experience (current winemaker)
Vineyards
Grapes have been grown for over 315 years on this historic property. Set amidst the top wine-growing and wine-producing estates of South Africa, Annandale Wine Estate currently cultivates 45 hectares of Vitus vinifera, planted over four years between 1996 and 1999. At present, Annandale focuses exclusively on growing red grapes and producing premium quality red wines. The following varietals presently thrive at Annandale:
- 20 hectares of cabernet sauvignon
- 12 hectares of shiraz
- 10 hectares of merlot
- 3 hectares of cabernet franc
For ten years prior to planting the vineyards, he built up the soil at Annandale, principally by planting vegetables. He further strengthened the soil with natural compost and organic fertilizer, consistent with the highest standards of environmentally friendly viticulture practices.
Annandale features medium density vine plantings but we aggressively prune the vines and thins the crop to produce low yields of very high-quality grapes per vine.
Bunches of grapes are hand-selected during harvesting to maintain quality. The entire maceration and maturation process is conducted on-site at Annandale Estate’s cellar according to the finest traditions of Old World winemaking.
Our Philosophy
The Annandale philosophy is one of simplicity and honesty. With as little intervention as possible, wines are guided from the vineyard into the bottle and allowed to express the best of what nature has to offer.
No commercial yeasts are used, and fermentation is an entirely natural process. If necessary, the tanks are cooled by water diverted from the stream next to the cellar, which is run over the tanks then returned to the stream. Wines are not racked or fined, but left in peace to mature in the silence of the old cellar. Over the years these wines become the embodiment of the farm motto ‘vintage wines’.
About the owner
Annandale has been in die Du Toit family for almost 30 years. After purchasing the farm in 1996, Gerhard ‘Hempies’ du Toit, a well-known figure not only in winemaking circles, but as a world-class rugby player left Alto wine estate to pursue his dream of owning his own farm.
Today, that story continues with the next generation. Willem and Louanne Briedenhann, together with their sons, have taken over the reins at Annandale. With deep respect for the heritage built before them, they are guiding the historic estate into a new era — one defined by innovation, sustainability, and a continued focus on premium red wines that capture the spirit of Annandale.
Their hands-on approach, family values, and passion for the land ensure that the legacy of craftsmanship and character that began generations ago continues to thrive — rooted in tradition, but inspired by the future.