Established in 1698, Altydgedacht Estate on the fertile slopes of the Tygerberg, is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa and boasts an unbroken winemaking tradition. The Parker Family has been the custodians of the farm since 1852, a legacy spanning six generations. George Francis Parker, aged 19, arrived at the Cape with his family in 1819. George remained at the Cape to become a merchant and later to acquire the farm, while the rest of the family settled in Australia. His perseverance laid the foundation for a new era for the farm and a 150-year-old ownership. From the whitewashed walls to the three hundred year old cellar, the farm has managed to maintain its original charm and character. Brothers John and Oliver use the varied soils, slopes and microclimates to grow high quality grapes from suitable noble varieties. Winemaker Helgard van Schalkwyk ( Sep 2020 ) aims to produce wines of distinctive character and strong varietal flavour, typical of the renowned Durbanville area.
A partnership between the old and the new was formed in 2017 with another reputable Durbanville family, the Van Der Merwe Family of VDMV Property Group. This marks the beginning of a new era for Altydgedacht.