The history of Merwida Winery dates back to 1840, when Willem Petrus van der Merwe, the ancestor of the current proprietors Schalk and Pierre, established the family’s roots in the Breede River Valley. Located near Rawsonville, South Africa, the land has been passed down through seven generations, with the Van der Merwe family cultivating the land and upholding a tradition of high standards. The estate sits at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Mountains along the Holsloot River, with vineyards spanning over 800 hectares, making it one of the largest privately owned cellars in the country.

Merwida produces wines from twenty-four different grape varieties, which thrive in the rich silt soils deposited by the ancient floodplains. These soils, combined with a bedrock of river stones and the cooling effect of the ‘Cape Doctor’ wind in the hot summers, create an ideal terroir for producing well-structured wines. The snow-covered mountains during winter also contribute to a slower ripening process, enhancing the flavours of the grapes and making Merwida’s wines distinct.

The winery is committed to sustainable and responsible practices, becoming a leader in Fairtrade wine production in Southern Africa. The Van der Merwes are also dedicated to preserving the local environment, including the 600-hectare Papenkuils Wetland along the Breede River.