Crafting excellence in the Green Kalahari

Bezalel Wine and Brandy Estate has evolved from a bulk grape supplier to a producer of small-batch, high-quality wines, brandies, and infusions. Martiens Bezuidenhout spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his family's journey.

- Glenneis Kriel

Popular belief in the wine industry holds that vineyards should be situated near the ocean to produce top-quality wines. Bezalel Estate, between Keimoes and Upington in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, has shown, however, that its wines, brandies and infusions can compete with the best in the country – proving that exceptional quality isn't limited to coastal regions.

Over the years, the winery has won numerous accolades for its wines and brandies. But Martiens Bezuidenhout, the fourth generation on the farm, says they stopped entering competitions after the COVID-19 pandemic because of the costs involved and the small quantities and wide variety being produced.

Due to their boutique nature and direct-to-consumer approach, winning awards does not offer any real market advantage for them. About 80% of their visitors are from outside the Orange River Valley, often stopping by en route to destinations ranging from Namibia and the West Coast to Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi. To boost wine sales and diversify their income, Bezalel also operates a farm-to-table restaurant and self-catering accommodation, and hosts weddings, workshops and private events. The winery was recognised with a South Africa’s Top 100 Hospitality Award in 2023, and a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in 2022.

They also produce raisins. Of the 42ha under vineyards, 18ha are dedicated to wine grape production, with the remainder planted to table grape varieties that are used for raisin production.

HISTORY

Wine grape production in the Orange River Valley started around the 1960s, when KWV sought new areas to produce Chenin Blanc and Colombar grapes for its brandies.