L’Ormarins
Philosophy
L’Ormarins is dedicated to giving Cape expression to Old World wine techniques, and by doing so, pioneer a whole new category within Cape Wine. While Méthode Cap Classique has become an established category in South Africa, it is our responsibility to consistently create quality examples of it and so-doing set a standard within the industry to maintain and build on. With our Sagnac, Eau de Vie and Late Bottled Vintage wine we look to bring a distinctly South African take on iconically French and Portuguese wine styles.
The History behind L’Ormarins
Heritage
French Influence
Huguenots in the Cape
Between 1688 and 1689 some 150 exiled Huguenots emigrated to the Cape via Holland, among them a young man named Jean Roi. Most of them were given grants along the Berg River. One particular valley became their domain. Previously it was called De Olifantshoek, The French Quartier, Le Coin Francais or La Petit Rochelle. Today it is known as Franschhoek.
Jean Roi
L’Ormarins is born
In 1694 the land known as L’Ormarins was occupied by Jean Roi. Stretching 60 morgen (approx. 51 Ha) he named it after his hometown Lourmarin in French Provence. Jean Roi immediately planted orchards in addition to 4000 vines on a farm earmarked exclusively for wine- and grain production. His intention then was not rebellion but exploring opportunity - an attitude which prevails today. In 1714 Simon van der Stel officially grants L’Ormarins to Jean Roi.
The Cellar
Wine at L’Ormarins
This original cellar still exists today and has been restored to its original condition. In the 19th Century this cellar was used by a large number of the Franschhoek community. Families would bring their grapes from their respective vineyards to the cellar on L’Ormarins where each family would have its own large vat with their family crest carved on the front. The grapes would be vinified and the wine stored here throughout the year to be drawn from as and when the families needed their wines from the cellar. The vats, with the family crests still exist today.
The Rupert Era
L’Ormarins’ Transformation
In 1833 L’Ormarins makes the first Champion South African Brandy and White Wine. Dr. Anton Rupert acquired L’Ormarins in 1968 from Pieter Gabriel Maras & Willem Pieter Morkel, restoring the Manor House (Built in 1811) and Historic Cellar (Built in 1799) in 1984, both declared national monuments. And in 1989 L’Ormarins wins every major local wine competition under the direction of Dr. Anton’s son, Anthonij Rupert.
Anthonij’s Legacy
Modern Day L’Ormarins
Anthonij Rupert tragically passed away in 2001, leaving his brother Johann Rupert to take over L’Ormarins. In 2004 Johann Rupert builds a state of the art, gravity fed cellar with revolving ceiling and underground barrel cellar and calls it the Anthonij Rupert cellar in memory of his brother. In that same year internationally acclaimed oenologist, Michel Rolland joins the Anthonij Rupert team as consultant and the first vintage of Anthonij Rupert Wines is released in 2009.
STOCK YOUR CELLAR
Buy our full wine portfolio online.
We’ve made our full wine portfolio available for sale online. Selling directly from the farm we guarantee provenance and cellar door prices throughout. Wine club members receive discounts and exclusive offers.
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