The Zoetendal story begins in 1673 with a dramatic shipwreck. The 448-ton Zoetendal, carrying rice grains on a return voyage from present-day Jakarta, rounded the perilous Cabo das Agulhas. The boisterous crew, led by Captain Block, was inebriated and celebrating their success when turbulent currents dashed the ship against the rocks at Africa's southernmost tip. The survivors found the sweet waters of a freshwater vlei, naming it Zoetendalsvlei in memory of their lost vessel. They received assistance from the local Chainoqua clan and their chief Dorha, allowing them to return to the Cape.

In 1817, Michiel van Breda introduced sheep farming to the region, breeding the first South African Merinos and championing the construction of the first lighthouse on donated land to prevent further shipwrecks.
Centuries later, farmer Johan de Kock and the Land’s End collective launched viticulture in the region, planting the first 15 hectares of vines in the Elim ward in 1996. In 2004, De Kock established his own label, Zoetendal, producing remarkable boutique wines reflecting the unique terroir. Zoetendal cultivars have contributed to award-winning vintages crafted by expert vintners like Charles Hopkins of De Grendel.

The Elim region is known for its crisp ocean breezes and koffieklip soil, creating a challenging environment for growing vines. However, these stressed conditions result in richer, more flavourful wines. The unique terroir, with koffieklip, shale, granite, and quartzite soil, influences the fruity and vegetal aromatics of Elim grapes. The small stones cemented in iron-rich clay provide good drainage and water retention, essential for successful vine growth, making Zoetendal wines distinct and high-quality.