A vision rooted in the Swartland
The seed for City on a Hill was planted during a transformative working stint in France. André returned to South Africa profoundly inspired to create wines with a distinct sense of place and soul. After our inaugural vintage in 2015, we made the permanent move to the Swartland, dedicating ourselves to a region that reflects both rugged beauty and immense viticultural heritage.
Wine, at its heart, is meant for sharing. To us, the ultimate reward is seeing City on a Hill at the centre of a table, shared among family and friends. We strive to capture that profound, communal breaking of bread in every bottle - crafting authentic, accessible wines designed to elevate both your quiet everyday moments and your greatest celebrations.
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The Grapes
Our focus is on two exceptional varietals that have found their true home and highest expression in the Swartland: Chenin Blanc and Cinsault. These grapes are at the heart of our region's winemaking heritage.
Swartland, South Africa
Chenin blanc
Chenin blanc is the cornerstone of Swartland winemaking, a survivor with a heritage that dates back centuries. While its high-yielding nature once relegated it to bulk production, the gnarled, low-yielding, dry farmed bush vines of the Swartland told a different story. Here, in our warm, dry climate, it found a true home. These old vineyards hold a secret - a concentration of flavour and a unique vibrancy born from decades of growth.
Swartland, South Africa
Cinsault
Cinsault's history in the Cape is equally compelling. Once the most widely planted red grape in the country, it was a foundation of many classic Cape reds. Though it fell out of favour for a time, its heritage never truly faded in the Swartland. These Cinsault bush vines, often dry farmed and scattered across the Southern Swartland's diverse soil types, persevered.