History

Van Loveren is situated 180 kilometers from Cape Town, in the Breede River Valley between Robertson and Bonnievale.  Banks of scarlet cannas along the roadside distinctly mark the property, which has been in the Retief family for over three generations.

The original farm was acquired in 1937 by Hennie Retief (snr) and renamed after Christina van Loveren, an ancestor of Jean Retief, who arrived at the Cape in 1699.

The beautiful garden surrounding the Van Loveren cellar is the result of the dedication of Jean Retief, mother of Nico and Wynand.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the peace and tranquility the garden offers – also to taste wines in a relaxed, informal setting under the large shaded trees, each with a history of its own.

Initially, only sweet fortified wines were produced on Van Loveren.  In 1972 Nico and Wynand modernized the original cellar, which was built in 1937, introduced cold fermentation and started producing dry white wines.

In 1980 these wines were introduced to the SA market under the Van Loveren label, and they are now available in all corners of the world. Despite international recognition and demand, Van Loveren remains loyal, first of all, to the local market.

The team has since expanded to include the third generation of Retiefs on Van Loveren.  By 1998 both Wynand and Nico’s sons joined the farm and the new energy of this formidable team bodes well for future growth and innovation.  All four the cousins are hands on involved on a day-to-day basis at Van Loveren.  Hennie & Neil are the viticulturists ensuring top quality grapes for Bussell, the winemaker. Phillip takes care of the financial and business side of things.  During 2006 Danelle van Rensburg joined the team as Winemaker, primarily focusing on the Van Loveren Range.

Van Loveren produces 46 different wines in its modern cellar, spread over six ranges. Ranges include:  Van Loveren, Wolverine Creek, Papillon, Four Cousins, and Five’s Reserve. It has a range of cultivars that has married well to this fertile valley with its robust undertone of lime.

In a broad-based BEE deal in 2004, Van Loveren together with 116 of its staff and pensioners, have purchased a 138-hectare grape farm in the Goree district of the Robertson Wine Valley. The farm, which will be 52% owned by an employees trust and the balance by the Retief family, has signed a long-term grape supply contract, at market-related prices, with Van Loveren Private Cellar. This will render the farm profitable within its first year of operation. Simultaneously, in a joint venture with the trust, Van Loveren will be launching the Five’s Reserve wine range, depicting the ‘big five’, comprising a white wine, a rosé, two reds and a brandy, which will be marketed locally, to the tourist sector, and internationally

Our wines have earned an enviable reputation for quality, consistency, availability & accessibility.  Many of the wines regularly feature in the top selections of various wine clubs and amongst the medallists at national and international competitions.

With such an extensive range, (for more detailed information, see WINES) Van Loveren really offers a wine for every palate and occasion, not to mention the perfect partner to complement any cuisine.