Anysbos
Winery Description
Location and History
In 2008, Johan and Sue purchased two pieces of land in the Botrivier Valley, now known as Anysbos. Farming is Johan's third career, following stints as a lawyer and a filmmaker. With her IT background, Sue uses her computer knowledge to assist on the farm.
The Northwestern wind brings rain but also blows the blossoms of the olive trees. Clay-based soils retain moisture longer but can tear plants' micro roots when dehydrated. If the soil has too little stone, it becomes marshy; too much, and the water disappears. There are challenges with north-facing versus south-facing slopes and with sandstone versus shale. Water from sandstone is good, but water from shale is too salty.
Learning from mistakes has been essential. Over time, they accepted that some vineyards need extra water while others can thrive on rainfall alone. They had to replace some Coratina olives that didn't like wet conditions, modify the goat pens to eliminate seepage, and remove some vines due to high soil salinity.
Their perseverance in constantly seeking ways to overcome these challenges is truly inspiring.
One significant achievement is their fight against invasive Port Jackson trees. They chop them down, chip them, and spread them in the vineyards as mulch, which helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve wine quality.
Some staff members have been with Anysbos since the beginning, playing a crucial role in the learning process. Their dedication, support, and advice from local winemakers have been invaluable, creating a strong sense of belonging and community at Anysbos.
Wine Tasting
In 2021, they built a tasting room, and a year later, they received their liquor license. Now, they offer tastings by appointment during the week and welcome walk-ins on selected holidays for wine tastings and sales, including Anysbos olive oil and goat's milk products.
All their wines are made from grapes grown on the farm, produced in a small cellar at Anysbos, and shared with local winemaker Marelise Niemann, whose own wine brand is Momento Wines. The extra virgin olive oil is a blend of varieties grown on the farm, hand-picked and cold-extracted the same day, ensuring the highest quality and unique taste. Their handmade goat cheese, from a small Toggenburg herd, is sold to shops and restaurants in the Overberg, with offspring sold to other breeders locally and in neighbouring countries.
Anysbos is open by appointment. During selected holidays, they are open to walk-ins.
Restaurant
Accommodation
Tours and Activities