South Africa’s Cape Winelands has another jewel to celebrate: Doolhof Wine Estate’s 2025 XCLUSIV Rosé has officially been named Overall Rosé of the Year by internationally acclaimed wine critic, Tim Atkin, MW. Announced on 2 September 2025 in his highly anticipated South Africa Report, this achievement marks a historic milestone for the estate, nestled in the Limietberg Mountains.

With a remarkable 94-point score, Doolhof’s XCLUSIV Rosé not only topped the ratings for South African still rosés, but also joined an exclusive list of wines that have ever achieved such high acclaim from Atkin. For wine lovers, travellers and food enthusiasts alike, this is a rosé worth seeking out.

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A Vision of Elegance in Every Glass

Winemaker, Rüdger van Wyk says he crafted the XCLUSIV Rosé to reflect the purity, freshness and elegance of the Limietberg’s cool-climate terroir. Comprising 51% Grenache and 49% Syrah, the grapes were hand-harvested in cool morning hours, whole-bunch pressed to create a pale salmon hue and cold-fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness. Three months of lees aging added richness and texture.

The result? A wine that is as beautiful to taste as it is to behold. According to van Wyk the wine offers delicate aromas of candyfloss, rose petals and grapefruit. On the palate, you’ll discover chalky minerality layered with white chocolate and a whisper of Turkish delight – a vibrant yet, balanced profile with a long, intricate finish. The first vintage of XCLUSIV was released in September last year, which also happened to be van Wyk’s first vintage at Doolhof.

A Unique Terroir in the Cape Winelands

Doolhof lies in a steep-sided valley against the dramatic Limietberg Mountains, a terroir so unique it has its own designation under the Wine of Origin scheme. Protected by the peaks of the Limietberg in the mornings and shaded by Groenberg in the afternoons, the vineyards enjoy extended ripening periods, allowing the grapes to develop exceptional balance and complexity. In fact, the Limietberg is so unique that it’s been given exclusive status under the Wine of Origin scheme, with Doolhof being its only producer.

Philip Richards, the owner of Doolhof says: “We are establishing Doolhof as one of the Cape’s top wine destinations and this award brings us closer to that vision, while highlighting the incredible terroir behind our wines.”

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Luxury in a Bottle with Every Doolhof Pour

In addition to its award-winning taste, the XCLUSIV Rosé arrives in luxurious packaging. The bottle features a pink glass Vinolok closure, echoing the estate’s ambition to position XCLUSIV among the finest rosés in the world. Priced at R275 per bottle, it is available directly from the estate, via their website and at select retailers.

Plan Your Visit to Doolhof Wine Estate

Doolhof Wine Estate is so much more than just a wine estate. It offers a full lifestyle experience. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, stay overnight at the luxurious Doolhof Country House, try glamping with AfriCamps, or dine at the cellar’s charming restaurant. Set against a backdrop of protected natural beauty, it’s the perfect stop on any Cape Winelands travel itinerary.

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 16:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00

Whether you’re a wine collector, a rosé enthusiast or a traveller seeking out the best wine estates in South Africa, Doolhof’s award-winning XCLUSIV Rosé offers an unforgettable taste of the Cape Winelands’ terroir, luxury and heritage.

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