Things To Do in PnielRainbow’s End Wine Estate
Wine Tours & Tasting Cape Winelands
Where? R310, Off Zevenrivieren Road, Pniel, Cape Winelands, Western Cape
When? Monday to Sunday by appointment.
How? Call +27 (0)21 885-1719
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Pniel, in Western Cape
After driving off the beaten track and enjoying breathtaking views of Banghoek Valley and slopes of Jonkershoek Mountain, you will totally understand the chosen name for this Malan family estate. A pot of gold and a divine promise of sun after the rain are all concepts that come to mind when this name was chosen.
Jacques dream has always been to own vines, but he became an engineer instead until he finally purchased Rainbow’s End in 1978. It was only at 54 that he began to put all his eggs into the winemaking basket with the help of his son. Anton brought his encouragement and knowledge with him after having worked in Olivier Laporte’s vineyards and cellar, of Chateau Croix Beausejour in France. Anton encouraged his father to use what they had and adapt.
After renovating and using an underground cellar, they aimed to produce limited amounts of single vineyard estate wines and red blends. 23 hectares of premium red grapes have been planted including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The family strive for balance in viticulture practices and combine traditional and New World winemaking techniques to ensure top-quality wine.
Grapes are harvested at dawn, sorted by hand into open fermenters, light basket pressing followed by aging in French oak barrels. Enjoy a wine tasting led by co-owner Francois Malan and savour every moment of some of their award winning red wines.
To view more wine estates in the region see Bottelary Hills Wine Estates or see South Africa Wine Estates for a general overview and links to other wine producing regions.
