[1] Neethlingshof Wine Estate was founded in 1692 by the German settler Willem Barend Lubbe, on the Bottelary Hills.

Lubbe named the estate “De Wolwedans” (‘The Dance of Wolves’), after the many jackals that lived in the hills at that time.

[2] During the early years of the new millennium, the vineyards were renewed, much replanting was done, and a new system of water management was created.

Winemaker Philip Constandius saw at the time “a huge potential for shiraz”, and he also said that pinotage showed more of its pinot noir characteristics here.

The Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest was by now elevated to the Lord Neethling range, and earning the same 4 ½ stars as in 2002.

The Platter wine guide lauded the estate for keeping their Gewürtztraminer and Riesling vines, which in a dryland vineyard were said to be “valuable assets”.

[6][7] A better balance between planted areas and natural veld was sought after, and 116 ha or 42% of the farm has been set aside for conservation.

In reconfiguring the lay-out of the farm, Prof. Archer allowed for islands of indigenous vegetation between the new vineyard blocks connected by corridors.

These interconnected “islands” would create an explosion in the number of mice foraging on the root systems of the vines.

[7] As a result of the environmentally friendly farming practices, the number of beneficial insects also started to multiply.