Cradled by mountains in the scenic Franschhoek valley, Cabrière is deeply rooted in history.

The range of Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique sparkling wines produced on the estate honours the memory of French Huguenot Pierre Jourdan, who was granted the land on December 22, 1694. He named his property Cabrière, after the village near Avignon from which he had fled, and planted the first vines.

Pierre Jourdan's pioneering spirit lives on in proprietor Achim von Arnim who purchased part of the original Cabrière Farm in 1982. His is an enthusiast whose lust for life is expressed in winegrowing. Achim replanted the vineyards of Cabrière exclusively with the classic cultivars Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the production of a champagne style sparkling wine.

In 1989 the new vineyards of Haute Cabrière, lying along the west-facing stoney slopes of the Franschhoek pass, were planted with the world's most demanding cultivar, Pinot Noir.

It was time to evolve from being a Cap Classique specialist and respond to the challenge of producing a classic red wine from the Pinot Noir grape. The terroir was ideal; Achim's enthusiasm boundless.

New Burgundian clones, selected for their rich fruit, were densely planted at 10 000 vines a hectare, for a lower yield with high-quality fruit. The grapes show an intensity of flavour, captured in the first Pinot Noir vintages, since 1994.

These are wines that are rich and smooth. Combining intensity with elegance. Unmistakably Haute Cabrière.