Reyneke Cornerstone 2020

Reyneke Wines is one of the first South African wineries to systematically transition to certified biodynamic winemaking, with its philosophy rooted in the idea that wine is an expression of a living ecosystem, not merely an agricultural product. Located in the Stellenbosch region, the farm has, from the outset, strived to work as closely as possible with natural cycles: no synthetic pesticides or herbicides are used, and soil vitality is maintained through compost, livestock integration, and natural preparations based on Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic philosophy. The essence of this winery is to maximize the expression of terroir purity. The vineyards are treated as a self-sufficient ecosystem where soil, plants, animals, and cosmic cycles function as a single system. Winemaking also adheres to a principle of minimal intervention: fermentations often occur with natural yeasts, and oak is used sparingly so as not to distort the expression of the grapes and soil. Reyneke is considered one of the benchmarks for biodynamic winemaking in South Africa – its style is characterized by purity, energy, and a clear sense of "liveliness" that emanates from the soil, rather than from technology.