The well-known Aquila Collection, with its portfolio of game reserves, luxury safari lodges and scenic coastal guesthouses, now also boasts a proudly South African wine estate in the Cape Winelands. Originally established in 1693, Dekkersvlei is a historic farm near Paarl where the Richardson family founded Mellasat Vineyards in 1996 and produced the world’s first White Pinotage in 2007.

Last year, the farm’s name was officially restored to Dekkersvlei Vineyards – a deliberate return to origin that reconnects the estate with its historic identity, heritage and terroir, Aquila Collection marketing manager Jaco Peacock says. “The move reflects a renewed focus on legacy, authenticity and the site’s place in South African viticultural history – including its claim to producing the world’s first White Pinotage.”

The Aquila Collection is a curated portfolio of Big Five safari lodges, luxury accommodation and bucket-list experiences in the Western Cape, designed to combine wildlife, hospitality, conservation and cultural tourism. Its slogan “Real Africa, real close to Cape Town” emphasises accessible luxury safari and lifestyle experiences, sustainable practices and community engagement.

Aquila’s acquisition of Dekkersvlei also reflects a broader vision of integrated tourism experiences. “Dekkersvlei Vineyards contributes to the Aquila Collection by adding a wine experience to what has traditionally been a wildlife-and-safari portfolio,” Jaco says. “Its inclusion supports Aquila’s Wine & Wild synergy strategy, linking wine tourism in the Paarl region with safari experiences en route to or from Aquila safari properties.”

Pinotage everywhere

Dekkersvlei is best known for its celebration of Pinotage, South Africa’s native red varietal, and features the most Pinotage varieties produced by a single winery. Besides the pioneering White Pinotage, the range includes a classic red Pinotage, Pinotage rosé, oak-influenced Coffee Pinotage, and Pinotage and Pinot Noir blend. “The White Pinotage is an unconventional expression of South Africa’s indigenous hybrid grape, achieved by fermenting Pinotage without skin contact to yield a lighter, aromatic, crisp wine style,” Jaco says.

Other single-varietal wines in the range are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and the Dekkersvlei MCC Brut Rosé.

Beyond wine

Under Aquila’s stewardship, Dekkersvlei is evolving beyond a classic wine estate to include enhanced visitor experiences. Upgrades to the tasting room, underground cellar and guest areas have already been completed, enhancing the on-site experience and encouraging more walk-in tastings. “Dekkersvlei’s direction now focuses on strengthening its identity as a heritage estate tied to South African wine history and innovation,” Jaco says. “This integrates Dekkersvlei into Aquila’s broader tourism ecosystem, linking wine experiences with safari and regional travel narratives.”

In line with Aquila’s luxury branding, the wine tourism offerings at Dekkersvlei will be carefully curated to include more immersive tours, premium tastings and pairing experiences. “New offerings will include the Taste the Original wine tour and vineyard walks, which combine heritage storytelling with wine tastings to introduce visitors to the farm’s history, vines and varietals,” he says.

A new era

Dekkersvlei Vineyards celebrates South Africa’s signature varietal through a focused Pinotage range, with five distinct Pinotage wines that showcase the character and versatility of the cultivar. Visitors can also enjoy a dedicated brandy experience featuring handcrafted brandies, each aged for 10, 15 and 18 years and offering a taste of the estate’s commitment to traditional South African distillation and heritage.

A wine club keeps loyal fans up to date on the latest wines and specials, while the revamped website makes shopping, check-out and re-orders quick and easy. But this is only the start of the Aquila experience. “As part of the Aquila Collection, Dekkersvlei offers more than a traditional tasting room experience,” Jaco says. “Guests can now look forward to experiences that integrate wine tastings with broader safari tourism – curated opportunities to enjoy both the sophistication of the Cape Winelands and untamed beauty of Big Five territory. It’s an invitation to slow down and savour the best of both worlds: bold wines, mountain views and the call of the Karoo.”

To explore more articles in our May issue, Woeker met jou wingerd, purchase our digital or print magazine here.