Restless River
Summary
Restless River is a small, family-owned estate in South Africa's Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley producing approximately 2,000 cases annually from mature Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted in clay and decomposed granite soils just 5km from the Atlantic Ocean. Self-taught winemaker Craig Wessels and his wife Anne employ patient, minimalist winemaking techniques including indigenous yeast fermentation and extended aging, establishing a distinctive identity since their first commercial vintage in 2012 that showcases the cool-climate potential of this emerging wine region.
Heritage & Leadership
Restless River was established in 2004 by Craig and Anne Wessels in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, part of South Africa's Cape South Coast wine region. The Wessels purchased the property in 1999 as a weekend retreat from their Cape Town-based film production business, initially planting vines without commercial intentions. The first commercial vintage was released in 2012, marking the official beginning of Restless River as a wine producer. Craig serves as the winemaker while Anne manages the business operations, creating a true family-owned and operated venture.
The Wessels' background in creative fields rather than traditional winemaking has influenced their approach to viticulture and winemaking. Prior to establishing the winery, Craig was self-taught in winemaking, learning through experimentation and consultation with neighboring producers. The winery has remained deliberately small-scale, with production limited to maintain quality and hands-on attention to detail. In 2012, Restless River began focusing exclusively on estate-grown fruit, a significant milestone in developing their distinctive identity within the South African wine landscape.
Vineyards & Wines
Restless River's vineyards span 5 hectares in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, situated approximately 360 meters above sea level and 5 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. The property features predominantly clay and decomposed granite soils with varying amounts of stone and shale. The vineyard parcels were planted between 1999 and 2000, making them among the more mature vines in this relatively young wine region.
The estate focuses primarily on two varieties: Chardonnay (2.5 hectares) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2 hectares), with a small planting of Pinot Noir (0.5 hectares). The maritime climate of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley provides cool growing conditions, with morning fog and afternoon sea breezes moderating temperatures throughout the growing season. This climate allows for extended hang time and slow ripening, particularly beneficial for their Cabernet Sauvignon, which is harvested significantly later than in warmer regions.
The winery produces three main wines: the "Ava Maria" Chardonnay, named after the Wessels' daughter; "Main Road & Dignity" Cabernet Sauvignon, referencing the property's location; and "Le Luc" Pinot Noir, a more recent addition to their portfolio. Annual production remains limited at approximately 2,000 cases total, with the majority allocated to the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Philosophy & Practice
Restless River adheres to a minimalist winemaking approach, focusing on expressing site-specific characteristics through low-intervention techniques. In the vineyard, farming practices emphasize sustainable methods with cover crops between rows, manual weed control, and judicious water management. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness.
In the cellar, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in a combination of vessels. For Chardonnay, whole-bunch pressing is followed by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels (20-25% new) for 10-11 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes extended maceration of 30-40 days, followed by 20-22 months in French oak barrels (30-35% new). Neither wine undergoes fining, and filtration is minimal or absent depending on the vintage.
The Wessels' approach to winemaking is characterized by patience and restraint. Their Cabernet Sauvignon typically spends two years in barrel and additional time in bottle before release, unusual for South African producers. This extended aging protocol reflects their commitment to releasing wines when they begin showing their potential rather than adhering to market-driven timelines. The winery's philosophy centers on allowing each vintage to express its unique characteristics, embracing vintage variation rather than pursuing a consistent style year after year.