In the Scherpenheuvel ward of the Breede River Valley, approximately 360ha of vineyards form part of a working farm that also includes dairy farming, cheese production, orchards, livestock and free-roaming game.
Wine belongs to the daily life of the farm, and much of the work that shapes each vintage happens before the grapes reach the cellar.
The bridge that gave Alvi’s Drift its name
In 1928, Albertus Viljoen ‘Oupa Alvi’ van der Merwe bought land along the Breede River. A talented rugby player, he made history that same year when he scored the first try against the touring All Blacks on African soil. He would later earn Springbok cap number 221, a number remembered today in the winery’s 221 Range.
In 1930, Oupa Alvi commissioned a low-water bridge across the Breede River to make it easier for people to cross and access the surrounding land. The bridge soon became an important crossing for the local community, who began referring to it as Alvi’s Drift in recognition of the man who had built it.
When the Alvi’s Drift wine brand was established in 2005, his grandson, winemaker Alvi van der Merwe, chose the name of the bridge to honour his grandfather and the family’s connection to the farm.
Today, the bridge remains a part of that history, even appearing on the labels of the winery’s Reserve Range.
The cellar dates back to 1932, and some of its original open-top concrete fermentation tanks, known as kuipe, are still used for selected red wines. They are now used alongside modern winemaking equipment, as the third generation continues to build on the family’s winemaking heritage.
The vineyards of Scherpenheuvel
Although the surrounding wine-growing region is generally warm, the farm has a cooler microclimate. Breede River breezes and the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures help the grapes develop flavour while retaining freshness.
“Years ago, we conducted a climate study and learnt that, on average, this region is about one-and-a-half degrees cooler than Stellenbosch. This got me excited. I knew our microclimate meant that great wines could be produced right here,” says Van der Merwe.
The Breede River provides an important source of water, while the vineyards cover a varied mix of soils, including sandy soils from ancient riverbanks, granite, shale, red Karoo soils, black slate, hard red calcareous soil known as dorbank, and ancient limestone banks. Finding the right vineyard block for each variety takes careful planning, particularly across such a large area.
Around 6 500t of grapes are harvested annually, and the cellar processes more than 4,8 million litres in a vintage. Within that volume, the team selects grapes for the Alvi’s Drift wines and handles each variety according to its needs.
Stainless steel tanks suit some wines; others benefit from time in oak or concrete. The aim throughout is to preserve the character of the fruit.
Where good winemaking begins
For head winemaker Van der Merwe, decisions about soil health, selecting the right vineyard blocks and harvest timing are as much a part of winemaking as fermentation and blending.
“It’s quite simple. We work with fruit. To extract maximum flavour, you need to pick any fruit at optimal ripeness. Ultimately, the production of wine is the preservation of fruit,” he explains.
That attention continues through maturation and the final blend. Working across so many cultivars and styles requires experience and a willingness to respond to each vineyard and wine individually. It is how the team maintains consistency across the range while allowing the wines to have their own character.
A wine for every occasion
The portfolio includes white, red, rosé and dessert wines, alongside sparkling wines and traditionally bottle-fermented Cap Classique.
The Signature Selection is an accessible introduction to Alvi’s Drift. These fruit-driven, uncomplicated wines are made for everyday meals and occasions that need little planning.
The 221 Range takes its name from Oupa Alvi’s Springbok number and gives that family history a bold, contemporary expression.
The Reserve Range places greater emphasis on the influence of the vineyard block, cultivar and cellar work. Above it, the Icon Range focuses on depth and refinement through small-batch winemaking, with an influence from oak maturation.
The Sparkling Range offers fresh, lively wines, while the Cap Classique wines develop greater complexity and texture through traditional bottle fermentation and time spent ageing on the lees.
Across the portfolio, the emphasis remains on generous fruit, freshness and value, whether the bottle is opened over supper or chosen for a special occasion.
Recognition at home and abroad
Alvi’s Drift wines have earned consistent recognition at South African and international competitions. Over the past three years, Alvi’s Drift has consistently ranked among the top 10 white, red and overall wine producers according to the South African Wine Index.
Individual highlights include the Black Eagle Verreaux Pinotage 2021, awarded 95 points in Platter’s 2026 guide, and the Albertus Viljoen Chenin Blanc 2024, which received 95 points and a gold medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Recognition extends across the portfolio, from the Signature Selection to the winery’s premium ranges.
For the team, these results reflect the work behind each harvest and the many decisions that go into every wine.
Just as importantly, they want to make wines people enjoy sharing and choose to buy again.
Caring for the land and its people
Alvi’s Drift is certified through South Africa’s Integrated Production of Wine programme and belongs to the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association.
The origins of Alvi’s Drift wines are certified under the Wine of Origin system, administered by South Africa’s Wine and Spirit Board.
Through its partnership with the Indaba Institute, it also supports Montessori early-childhood-development training in the local community.
These commitments reflect the family’s responsibility towards the land, the people whose work sustains the farm and the community it has been part of for generations.
Discover the Alvi’s Drift Private Club
The Alvi’s Drift Private Club gives wine lovers a way to explore the range and stay up to date with the winery. Membership is free, with savings on online wine purchases, early access to new releases, exclusive member offers and more.
Nearly a century after Oupa Alvi built his bridge across the Breede River, the farm remains in the hands of his family.
Much has changed over three generations, but their connection to the land and commitment to making good wine remain at the heart of Alvi’s Drift. It’s a story that continues with every harvest and every bottle shared.
Alvi’s Drift wines are not for sale to persons under 18. Enjoy responsibly.
Discover the Alvi’s Drift ranges at alvisdrift.co.za and join the Private Club at alvisdrift.co.za/pages/club.
