A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines was founded in 2008 by Adi Badenhorst and his cousin Hein on a run-down farm in Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa. What sets them apart is their philosophy that winemaking happens in the vineyard, not the cellar—minimal intervention, attentive farming, and authentic expression of place drive every decision. Adi trained at Château Angelus and Alain Graillot in France before nine years at Rustenburg Estate, but he saw something special in the Paardeberg's slopes and soils that made him want to stay.

About A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines

The Kalmoesfontein farm sits in a natural amphitheatre on the Paardeberg's northern slopes. Planted between the 1950s and 1970s, the vineyard contains exceptional old, bush vine parcels of Grenache, Cinsault and Chenin Blanc that form the backbone of their production. These ancient vines, combined with north, east and south-facing exposures, deliver remarkable depth and fragrance to the fruit. The Paardeberg's soils—decomposed granite, quartz and iron-rich ferricrete, over 500 million years old—give the wines their distinctive character. The sandy top layer allows vines to root deep, concentrating flavour and aroma.

Adi's approach is deceptively simple: know your vines intimately, and they need less intervention. The team composts, applies cover crops and mulch, maintains chemical-free vineyards through natural practices, and builds soil fertility while sustaining terroir expression across their holdings. Across their Jakkalsfontein property (acquired in 2021) and Kalmoesfontein holdings, they tend approximately 70 distinct grape varieties, replanting with intention to safeguard agricultural diversity. The signature 'Kalmoesfontein' White and Red are field blends—grapes harvested on the same day and co-fermented—delivering authentic, unmanipulated expressions of the farm itself. This is winemaking rooted in farming knowledge, not cellar technique.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Wines in Our Collection

The range spans distinctive single varietals and field blends. The 2024 Grensloos Chenin Blanc (94pts James Suckling) showcases old-vine complexity with buttery richness. For those wanting depth and texture, the 2022 Kalmoesfontein Red Blend (94pts James Suckling, Tim Atkin) is a brooding, rich field blend that rewards contemplation. The 2024 Raaiglas Grenache (93pts James Suckling) offers a purer expression of a single varietal from these old vines. The 2023 Kalmoesfontein White Blend (92pts Jancis Robinson, 93pts James Suckling) brings green, flinty minerality that speaks to the granite soils.

Food Pairing

The old-vine Chenin Blancs pair beautifully with roasted chicken, goat's cheese, and seafood with butter or cream sauces. The Grenache and field blends work equally well with lamb, pork belly, and game birds. The mineral, flinty whites complement shellfish and white fish with herb dressings. The Caperitif suits charcuterie, nuts and cheese boards before dinner. Adi's low-intervention approach means these wines have structure and freshness to age, but drink with pleasure now.

What makes A.A. Badenhorst's Paardeberg location special?

The Kalmoesfontein farm sits in a natural amphitheatre with north, east and south-facing slopes. Its soils—decomposed granite, quartz and ferricrete, over 500 million years old—produce remarkably fragrant wines. Deep-rooting vines in sandy top soil concentrate flavour.

What is the 'winemaking in the vineyard' philosophy?

Adi believes wine is made through farming, not cellar work. The team uses composting, cover crops and mulch; avoids herbicides; and works with 70 cultivars across two farms. Minimal intervention allows the vineyard's character to speak authentically.

Which A.A. Badenhorst wine should I start with?

The 2025 Secateurs Chenin Blanc (91pts) and Red Blend (88pts) are accessible entry points. For depth, try the 2024 Grensloos Chenin Blanc (94pts) or 2022 Kalmoesfontein Red (94pts). The NV Caperitif (91pts) works as an aperitif.

Who makes A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines?

Adi Badenhorst and his cousin Hein founded the winery in 2008 on Kalmoesfontein farm in Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa. Adi trained at Château Angelus and Alain Graillot in France before nine years at Rustenburg Estate.

What style of wine does A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines make?

They produce minimal-intervention wines from old bush vines of Grenache, Cinsault and Chenin Blanc, plus field blends co-fermented on the same day. The 2024 Grensloos Chenin Blanc scored 94 points for buttery complexity.