Merwida
メルウィダ
Seven generations of the Van der Merwe family farming Breedekloof since 1840
About Merwida
Merwida is a privately owned family winery in Rawsonville, in the heart of the Breedekloof Wine Valley, Western Cape. The Van der Merwe family has farmed the fertile soils of the Breede River Valley since 1840, and the estate — now led by seventh-generation cousins Schalk and Pierre van der Merwe — is one of the largest privately owned cellars in South Africa, with vineyards spanning roughly 800 hectares and around 24 grape varieties under cultivation. Note: despite sometimes being assumed to be a cooperative because of its scale and its membership of the Breedekloof Wine Valley route, Merwida is a family-run private estate, not a cooperative. The range spans Cap Classique sparkling wine, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage, and the winery holds IPW, WIETA and Fairtrade certifications and WWF Conservation Champion status for its environmental stewardship.
Who Is This For?
For drinkers who want honest, good-value South African wines from a large family estate with real sustainability credentials, spanning everything from crisp Chenin Blanc to bold Pinotage.
Wines of Merwida
No cuvées registered yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Merwida a cooperative winery?
- No. Although its scale and its membership of the Breedekloof Wine Valley route lead some to assume it is a cooperative, Merwida is a privately owned, family-run estate that has belonged to the Van der Merwe family since 1840.
- Where is Merwida located?
- Merwida is based in Rawsonville, in the Breedekloof Wine Valley of the Western Cape, South Africa, at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Mountains along the Holsloot River.
- What grape varieties does Merwida grow?
- Merwida cultivates around 24 different grape varieties across roughly 800 hectares, including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage.
- How long has the Van der Merwe family made wine at Merwida?
- The Van der Merwe family has farmed the Breede River Valley since 1840 and now runs Merwida in its seventh generation, currently led by cousins Schalk and Pierre van der Merwe.
- Is Merwida committed to sustainability?
- Yes. Merwida holds IPW, WIETA and Fairtrade certifications and has been recognized as a WWF Conservation Champion for its environmental management and water and energy efficiency initiatives.