About Us

At De Doorns Cellar, every bottle tells a story — a story of hard work, heritage, and the unique character of our valley. From our wines to our renowned The Cutting Brandy, we focus on honest quality and authentic flavour, crafted with care and enjoyed by families near and far.

We believe in community. We believe in tradition. And above all, we believe in producing products that honour the land that sustains us. As we grow, innovate, and look to the future, our commitment remains the same: to deliver the rich taste of the Hex River Valley in every sip.

De Doorns Cellar – Heritage Timeline

1968 — A Cellar Founded by Farmers

De Doorns Cellar was officially established on 18 October 1968 by the farmers of the Hex River Valley. With table grapes dominating the region, the cellar was created as a practical solution: a place where growers could bring surplus grapes during harvest and turn them into quality wine and spirits rather than letting them go to waste.

1970s — Built on Community & the Land

Throughout the early years, the cellar grew steadily, supported by the valley’s strong agricultural roots. De Doorns — meaning “the thorns” — was once covered in thorn trees, and the cellar carried that rugged, honest character into its winemaking. Everything produced reflected the land, the climate, and the hardworking people behind it.

1980s–1990s — Growing Into a Regional Supplier

As demand increased, the cellar expanded its capacity and began supplying larger wine and brandy producers across South Africa. Bulk wine production became a major part of the operation, strengthening its role within the Hex Valley farming community.

2000s — Crafting Its Own Identity

Alongside bulk supply, De Doorns Cellar started bottling a small, curated range of wines and grape-based products under its own name. These releases were never mass-market or commercialised — instead, they were made to proudly represent the valley’s character and heritage.

2010s — A New Generation of Quality

With renewed focus on craftsmanship, the cellar refined its offerings into a tighter, better-crafted selection including:

dry and semi-sweet wines
sparkling wines and grape juices
muscadel
specialty releases that highlight the unique style of the valley

This period also laid the foundation for more innovative, small-batch products.

2020s — The Cutting & Modern Craft

The introduction of The Cutting 5-Year-Old Pot-Stilled Brandy marked a new milestone. Inspired by the famous “cutting” — the natural gateway into the Hex River Valley — this brandy captured everything the cellar stands for: heritage, place, quality, and the unmistakable flavour of the valley.

Today, De Doorns Cellar continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. From supplying major producers to crafting boutique wines and spirits, the cellar remains a proud symbol of the Hex River Valley’s farming tradition and community spirit.