About Alluvia

The name “Alluvia”, derived from the Latin, alluvius, meaning "to wash against", is a process where soil or sediments are deposited over many patient years by running water to create magnificent fertile soils. Hence Alluvial diamonds, Alluvial Gold and now a world first… Alluvial Wines!

This rare tiny fertile deposit, combined with the major underlying soil structure of granite in the mountains and Table Mountain Sandstone, has culminated into a special patch of terrior in the Banhoek Valley.  In recognition of this natural process, the name of the estate was changed to Alluvia as this natural phenomenon shared some parallels with the crafting of great red wines – allowing nature to take its course and patience.

The owner, Mr. Delarey Brugman searched high and low throughout the cape winelands for the perfect soil type, to realise his dream of creating an ultimate wine (including the use of state-of-the-art satellite technology to determine correct soil types). He finally discovered a small piece of land within the Banhoek Valley, formerly known as Glen Arum which showed a promise of unique and superlative soil types.

Situated in the Banhoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on the Helshoogte Pass, Alluvia is blessed with unsurpassed views. The farm rests 600 feet above Stellenbosch and 6.5km from the historic town. Protected by the prevailing summer and winter winds, the Banhoek Valley is surrounded by the Simonsberg Mountain as well as Botmaskop and the Groot Drakenstein mountain range. The small wine farm is surrounded by only six other wine producers, including renowned estates, Tokara and world-class winery Thelema Mountain Vineyards with promising newcomer Delaire segregated by the Helshoogte Pass.

After original ownership by Catherine Heywood, remembered as one of the greatest authors of her era, the farm was passed down to Catherine’s son, Christopher Heywood, also an acclaimed author.  It was here that Catherine Heywood went onto establish the first Montessori School in South Africa , with the current Manor House’s veranda acting as classroom during summer and in the dining room during winter days. The local folk’s children were included with adjacent farm owners’ children. The homestead, which is monument today, built in 1914 serves as home to Delarey Brugman’s family.

The farm was later sold to the Grobler family who resided on the estate for nearly 25 years.  According to valley legend, Alluvia wine farm once included its neighbouring farm Le Pommier.

Andre Grobler, the philanthropic owner of the estate, was pressed for more than a decade by a good friend to divide the land and sell to him. Andre persistently refused claiming that “this soil is my responsibility and has more meaning than any amount of money”. After a decade of consistent persuasion, Andre sold a part of the farm to his lifelong friend, who immediately sold the newly acquired land for a vast amount of money breaking his word and Andre’s heart. Andre went on to take his own life...
For Andre’s widow, Mrs Margo Grobler , Delarey’s vision resurrected that of her late husband and she signed the deed of sale on 21 August 2002 hoping that Delarey would eventually fulfil Andre’s dreams. A dream that we are very proud to be a part of......

Contact Details

Alluvia Specialist Winery
Tel: +27 21 885 1661
Fax: +27 21 885 2064
Email: info@alluvia.co.za
Glen Arum Road
Helshoogte Pass
Banhoek Valley
Stellenbosch

GPS co-ordinates:
33° 55' 05"S 018° 55' 36"E

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