Fryer's Cove - West Coast Wine

In 1999, the first vines of Fryer's Cove were planted amongst beach vegetation. This area, which is eight hundred and twenty meters from shore and about twenty meters above sea level, is sought after for its ideal climate which translates into the prominently unique flavour and character of Fryer's Cove wine.

In 1985, the present shareholders of Fryer's Cove Vineyards started dreaming of their own vineyard - Strandfontein seemed befitting for wine producing, due to its convenient weather conditions, rich soil and annual rainfall (which averages at fifty millimeters.)

Wynand Hamman was studying to become a winemaker at Elsenburg Agriculture College when he first told his in-laws, Jan van Zyl (brother) and Ponk van Zyl (father), about his plan, while on holiday in the area.

The concept of a vineyard in Strandfontein still prevailed in the family's mind, especially after Jan also acquired his winemakers' diploma at Elsenburg in 1990.

Once a reliable water supply was secured in the area by building a pipeline and bringing water for 29,5km from Vredendal to Strandfontein, Fryer’s Cove was established by the shareholders, Jan Ponk Trust, PW Hamman and the Laubscher-brothers, Jan and Pieter from the Sandveld.

The company took its name from the original Fryer's Cove which was named after the first commercial farmer in the area, a British settler named Richard Fryer.

The Fryer's Cove Vineyards are located about eight hundred and twenty meters from the Atlantic Ocean and therefore benefits from its cool ocean breeze. Jan deals with the management of the vineyards and the business. The vineyards are divided into 4ha Sauvignon Blanc, 1ha Pinot Noir and 1ha Merlot. The outstanding flavour components in the wines are achieved by the drawn out ripening period of the grapes, which is due to the area's cool climate and adequate sunshine.

The vineyard has proved successful since day one. The height above sea level varies from 15m - 40m. The soil consits of a red sandy upper layer with lots of limestone in the lower layers and even some seashells.

In 2002, Fryer's Cove created a conservation area on the farm at Vredendal by removing all the livestock and reinstating game that's native to the area. The game camp holds a mixture of Namaqualand Strandveld- and Sprinscent Grasslands, which produce beautiful flowers in spring. The area is home to Springbok, Gemsbok, Eland and other small antelope. The farm's unique open-air restaurant serves traditional buffet meals and is situated overlooking the water hole.

Richard Fryer was a man dedicated to help his community. He opened a school for the children of the area. In his honour, The Fryer's Cove Foundation has assisted the Doringsbaai's school with financial contributions and by sponsoring their rugby team. The Foundation also sponsored the purchase of a new bell for the local church as well as numerous small local projects.

Tel: 027 213-2312
Fax: 027 213-2212

PO Box 93,
Vredendal 8160

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.fryerscove.com