In the Spirit of Discovery
The Dorper range was born from the idea of producing a great “Village” wine as done in Burgundy, France. And so we came to Village (French) – Town (English) – Dorp (Afrikaans). In South Africa we have a Dorper sheep breed, these black headed sheep are adaptable and hardy much like the Pinotage and Chenin Blanc varieties.
So with a bit of clever wordplay, the Dorper Pinotage was created in 2017, and in 2020 joined by a Chenin Blanc. Our vineyards are sourced from various old vine wards in the Stellenbosch region, with the aim of contributing to our desired style and expressing the site’s own uniqueness.
The winemaking approach is simple and respectful whilst still adhering to good practices.
Our WINES
Chenin Blanc 2022
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
A Great expression of Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc, light straw with a green hue. Pineapple, passion fruit and white peach on the nose. The palate is tightly woven with quince and stone fruit flavours. Fine understated oak with the acidity gives a lively feel to the wine.
Pinotage 2022
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
A refreshing take on our local South African grape, with clear focus on elegance. Floral perfume, juicy raspberry and blackberry fruit with hints of savouriness and spice. The fine tannin with the understated oak draws the wine in, giving length and freshness.
“Reg Holder is making increasingly impressive wines under his eponymous label, typified by the quality of this old vine Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.” – Tim Atkin MW
Our Story
Growing up in the small West Coast town of Vredendal, on a grape growing farm, I’ve been exposed to all aspects of farming from a young age, most importantly the determination needed to make a success of it. After completing my BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University, I spent some time abroad in Australia, California and France before returning back to Stellenbosch. I met my wife Mia in Stellenbosch and this is now home to our family. We have been blessed with three children, a lively Fox Terrier, Frans and a ginger cat called popcorn.
We established Holder Vineyard and Wines (Pty) Ltd in 2016, serving as a base for our ventures. We were the first to launch a De-Alcoholised Wine in South Africa, Lautus (www.drinklautus.com). I enjoy the challenge of the deconstruction and the thought process of building the wine again. Dorper is my passion project, born out of my love for Pinotage, to make wine in a style that I feel is an expression of cultivar and site.