Dekkersvlei Vineyards

Long before the Richardson family arrived, before the name Mellasat was ever spoken, this land was known as Dekkersvlei -- a freehold granted in 1693 in the fertile valley beneath the Klein Drakenstein mountains. For three centuries, vines have grown here on Paarl's warm granite soils, making it one of the oldest continuously cultivated wine properties in the Cape.

The modern chapter began in 1996, when British entrepreneur Stephen Richardson acquired the neglected farm and founded Mellasat Vineyards, naming it as an amalgamation of his three children's names. Together with viticulturist Poena Malherbe, Richardson set about replanting the vineyards with noble cultivars -- Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Tempranillo -- determined to coax quality from the sun-drenched slopes along Keerweder Road.

The gamble paid off spectacularly in 2007, when Mellasat made South African wine history by producing the world's first White Pinotage. This barrel-fermented reimagining of South Africa's signature red grape captured international attention and earned a dedicated following both locally and abroad. The wine is matured for eleven months with regular lees stirring, giving it a creamy, nutty character that balances tropical fruit and banana flavours -- a style wholly unlike anything the industry had seen.

For nearly three decades, the estate built its reputation on innovation and a willingness to challenge convention. Beyond the celebrated White Pinotage, the cellar produces robust Shiraz, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, and a range of white wines that reflect the warmth of the Paarl valley. A potstill brandy programme adds further depth to the offering.

In 2025, a new era dawned when the Aquila Collection -- operators of Aquila Private Game Reserve and a portfolio of premier South African safari and hospitality destinations -- recognised the enduring heritage of the original Dekkersvlei name and brought the farm into their collection. The estate returned to its founding identity as Dekkersvlei Vineyards, honouring over three centuries of winemaking tradition while looking forward with fresh investment and ambition.

Today, visitors to Dekkersvlei discover a relaxed Paarl estate where history runs deep and the welcome is genuine. The tasting room offers curated flights of the full range, including the iconic White Pinotage that started it all. A wood-fired pizzeria on the property serves handmade pizzas alongside estate wines, creating one of the most enjoyable casual dining stops on the Paarl wine route. Cellar tours reveal the barrel-fermentation techniques behind the White Pinotage, while children's experiences and seasonal events like Pinotage Saturday ensure the estate is as welcoming to families as it is to serious wine enthusiasts. The grounds are wheelchair accessible throughout, meaning every guest can enjoy the sweeping vineyard views toward Paarl Rock and the Klein Drakenstein peaks beyond.