Arno Smith Wine

Arno Smith is a Durbanville-trained winemaker who spent a decade at Hillcrest Estate before launching his own label. Smith served as winemaker at the Durbanville property from 2011 until 2021, working alongside Graeme 'Curly' Read. When he left to go solo, he carried with him an intimate knowledge of the Durbanville terroir and the Bordeaux varieties that thrive on its decomposed granite soils and cool, maritime-influenced slopes.

Smith holds a BAgric degree from Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, the same institution that has produced many of the Cape's most respected winemakers. His approach is hands-on and small-scale -- this is a one-man operation producing handcrafted, limited-production wines that reflect his deep connection to the vineyards he knows best.

The core of the portfolio is the Saartjie range, named after Smith's Jack Russell terrier. The Saartjie wines are built around the Bordeaux varieties grown on Hillcrest: Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Semillon. These are varietal wines that showcase the individual character of each grape in the Durbanville context -- a region better known for Sauvignon Blanc but which Smith's work demonstrates has serious potential for red Bordeaux varieties.

Beyond the Saartjie range, Smith produces two top-end wines from bought-in fruit sourced from other Western Cape vineyards. The shop on his website lists over 40 products across the Saartjie range, indicating a prolific output for what is essentially a boutique, garage-winery operation. Prices are accessible, with Saartjie wines typically ranging from R155 to R189 per bottle.

Arno Smith Wine Company does not operate a public tasting room or cellar door. Wines are sold through the online shop at arnosmithwine.co.za and at select retailers. For those wanting to taste, the wines can also be found at Hillcrest Estate in Durbanville, where Smith continues to consult.