2024 - Our Story
It's the early 1800's. Napoleon is waging war in Europe. Britain and Ireland have just merged to become the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland. And, less historically significant but still mildly interesting: the dwarf planet Ceres has just been discovered by the Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi. But Hermanus Pieters doesn’t know about any of this. Not that he would care … He’s on a journey with his flock of sheep, and he’s worried – each one of them appears thirsty. “Bliksem, we need to find water for my wollerige friends before we have a mutiny on hands … or rather a mutony,” he thinks, as he remembers the events that brought him far from his homeland to this spot of the world …
It was a risk, sure. But he likes risks, and he likes adventure – the kind he could not find in his native Netherlands. His friends all dreamed of winning gold medals at Gouda-eating competitions, but Pieters had bigger ideas. So when the invitation came from the Overberg region of the Western Cape province to teach the children of the farmers – most of them of Dutch descent, and not happy with the British-led government in the province – he accepted. Little did he know that when the farmers would run out of cash, they would pay him with a sheep instead. This happened more often than he could have anticipated …
But Pieters happily accepted these trades – he now loves his sheep like they’re his family. In fact, he has been planning a camping trip for them – a trip to a spot he had heard of, near the ocean and under a collection of Milkwood trees, with fresh fountain water available. This is where they’re heading now, with the African sun baking down on them. He notices their tired legs and kneels down in front of them. “Komaan, skaapies,” he says to his sheep, encouraging them individually, with whistles and tongue clicks he believes they will understand. Naturally, they do not. Instead, they share confused looks among one another. Nevertheless, they follow their caring shepherd.
And lo! Soon, they arrive at the marvelous, quiet camping spot. The sheep trot to the fountain, lapping up the cool water. One after the other, they indicate their refreshed status with a loud, satisfied “B-aaaaaaah”. Clearly, they feel at home. As does Hermanus Pieters. He smiles a tired, but jovial, content smile as he looks around him. “We’ve found our true home,” he whispers to his beloved flock. “Komaan, julle, this is a very big moment! One of you needs to make a speech, something that will echo through the annals of history to mark this glorious occasion!” One sheep steps forward and inhales. With pride and hope in his eyes, he declares: “Baa.” Hermanus Pieters is moved. He nods in agreement, and a single tear runs down his cheek.
Soon enough, other structures are erected in the surrounding area. More and more people settle in the picturesque area, and by 1855 the village is officially named “Hermanus Pieters se Fontein” (Hermanus Pieters’ Fountain), or for short, Hermanuspietersfontein. Pieters didn’t live to see this – not because he was against the name, but because, by this time, he had been dead for about 20 years. Fast forward to 1902. In the post office of the village, the postmaster is sifting through letters, telegrams and more, stamping them with his big rubber stamp to indicate where they were posted from.
“Ag no man, not again,” he grumbles while trying to fit the large stamp – due to the very long name – on yet another tiny envelope. He groans, sighs and fights a hard-cramp, scratching his head. “This long name is too much. Maybe I must sommer retire,” he thinks. “But my wife would bliksem me if I do such a thing.” A bright idea saves his bacon (or perhaps his mutton): He shortens the town’s name to “Hermanus”. The rubber stamp is adapted, and it now fits easily onto even tiny envelopes – and so, a town now iconic for its scenic beauty, easy-going lifestyle and tourist spots, gets its modern name.
Fast forward again, this time to 2005. Our wine cellar is founded! We are deeply aware of the town’s colourful history, as well as the characters that made it all happen – hence our name. We remain especially appreciative of that thirsty flock of sheep (three cheers, we owe you all a drink at the great baa in the sky), and pay tribute to them with our unique labels. Our farm lies a little inland from Hermanus, near the equally charming (if much smaller) town of Stanford, but our identity (as well as our cellar and tasting room) is firmly rooted and established in Hermanus.
Without further ado, here’s a little word-tour of what we offer … Within the walls of this winery, there are three distinct ranges of wines, each with its own story to tell. The flagship wine, Swartskaap (Black Sheep), is the epitome of excellence and luxury. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, this premium wine is a true reflection of the winery’s commitment to producing the finest vintages from the celebrated, right-bank, signature, Bordeaux varietal, Cabernet Franc.
Then we have our Sondagskloof Origin range – the heart and soul of Hermanuspietersfontein, aptly named Kleinboet (Little Brother), Skoonma (mother-in-law) and Kat (cat). These wines are crafted with love and dedication, capturing the essence of the land and the spirit of our community. The cool-climate wines are known for their approachability, elegance, and the way it effortlessly brings people together and form new bonds. Lastly, there is the classic range, which include Kaalkop Miesie (Barefoot Girl), Posmeester (Postmaster) and Bloos (Blush). These wines are not just ordinary wines; they are storytellers. The sheep on the labels symbolizes the flock that Hermanus Pieters had once tended to, guiding them through the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the area. These wines are meant to be enjoyed by all, inviting everyone to be a part of the rich history and heritage that Hermanuspietersfontein represents.