Rietvallei Wine Estate

In 1864, Alewyn Petrus Burger established Rietvallei as one of the first wine farms in the Robertson Wine Valley. He passed the property to his son Jacobus Francois (Koos), beginning an unbroken lineage of passionate vintners that has now reached its sixth generation. Few wine estates in South Africa can claim a family history this deep.

Koos Burger was 70 years old in 1908 when he planted a Muscadel vineyard on the farm. That vineyard still produces fruit today — the oldest Muscadel vineyard in South Africa. From it, Rietvallei crafts the 1908 Muscadel, a single-vineyard fortified wine that has become the estate's most celebrated bottling. At the 2025 National Wine Challenge, the 1908 Muscadel was named Grand Cru National Champion, the highest honour in the competition.

The transition from grape supplier to independent estate began under Johnny Burger, who produced Rietvallei's first estate-bottled wine in 1975 — the now-iconic Rooi Muskadel. That decision to bottle under the family's own name transformed Rietvallei from a supplier into one of Robertson's most respected producers.

Today, the sixth generation is led by Kobus Burger, who took over as CEO and winemaker in 2002. After practical experience at the Bergkelder in Stellenbosch and a harvest with Henri Bourgeois in Sancerre, Kobus had his first harvest on Rietvallei in 2003. He was included in the 2025 Master Winemaker 100, recognising his standing among South Africa's finest. Kobus is particularly passionate about Chardonnay, and the JMB Chardonnay — along with the JMB Cabernet Franc and the Esteanna red and white blends — represents the top tier of the estate's range.

The wine portfolio spans multiple brand labels: Rietvallei Estate for the premium range, Burger Family Vineyards for family-label wines, John B for the accessible tier, and Stonedale for everyday drinking. The grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Rose, MCC, and the historic Muscadel.

Tastings are offered in two tiers: the Premium and Classic selection at R50 per person, and the John B and Burger Family range at R30 per person — with fees voided on purchase of six bottles from the relevant section. The estate offers cellar tours, a function venue, and a gift shop with an online store.

Rietvallei is managed by the Burger family as a complete unit — Kobus's wife Elizabeth oversees the Manor house and venue facilities. It is an estate where the 1908 vineyard connects six generations of Burgers to the land, where a Grand Cru National Champion Muscadel proves that fortified wine is not a relic but a living tradition, and where the Robertson Valley's longest family story continues to be written.