A true Cinderella story, Brookdale Estate was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family, originally from the United Kingdom, recognised the potential of the property set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, and acquired the 67-hectare estate ​in 2015.
In their quest for sustainability, the family set out to restore the balance of nature on the estate, which started with the clearing of 27-hectares of alien vegetation. During the extensive erosion and land rehabilitation project, they planted 53 hectares of indigenous vegetation, including 3700 trees, and established expansive gardens around the vineyards for guests to explore.
Slowly but surely, the land started recovering, fynbos began to thrive, and birds and insects returned in an abundance to help restore the ecological balance.
Tasting Brookdale Chenin Blanc in the Brookdale Estate Tasting Room.
Unusual varietals
The vision for Brookdale was and still is, to create a world-class country estate producing fine wines, including interesting blends crafted from varietals that are somewhat ‘unusual’ in South Africa.
New vineyards were established and currently 24 hectares are under vine at Brookdale. This includes a block of 16 different white varieties interplanted as bush vines, as well as a block of 20 different red varietals – planted in celebration of the ancient, lost art of field blend winemaking.
The Brookdale field blends include cultivars that have flourished for centuries in France’s Rhône River Valley, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Iberian Peninsula. Planted together for structure and complexity, and some for acidity, it speaks to a wide range of flavours, as well as versatility and enjoyment with food.
Rosa Kruger Trophy
Amongst the new vineyards, a single block of (certified Old Vine) Chenin Blanc, planted around 1985, was however saved to become Brookdale’s maiden release in 2017. Five years later the Brookdale Estate Chenin Blanc 2020 took Gold with a top score of 97/100 at the 2022 Trophy Wine Show, placing it first in its category to win the coveted Rosa Kruger Trophy for best Old Vine Wine.
Today, the young wine estate shines as a jewel in the crown of the Paarl winelands. Within the ethos of ‘Stay Curious’, Brookdale sets out to balance sustainability and heritage with innovation.
Brookdale still is as unexpected as she is enchanting, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the magnificent estate, its Manor House, Tasting Room and the Bistro at Brookdale, as well as its award-winning Brookdale and Mason Road wines.
In a nutshell
Brookdale Estate in Paarl winelands, South Africa
Reservations Tel +27 (0) 87Â 057 4508
Brookdale Restaurant and Tasting Room: The Bistro at Brookdale Tel +27 (0) 87Â 183 3919
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Pictures: Tasting Brookdale Chenin Blanc in the Tasting Room; the Brookdale Bistro veranda; and Brookdale Estate Bistro Chef Gary Coetzee in the kitchen.
Brookdale Estate Bistro Chef Gary Coetzee in the kitchen.