About AA Badenhorst Family Wines
AA Badenhorst Family Wines are meticulously cultivated, crafted, and aged on the historic Kalmoesfontein farm, nestled within the Swartland appellation of South Africa. Spanning 180 hectares, the farm boasts old bushvines thriving in the Siebritskloof region of the Paardeberg mountain.
The estate is owned by the dynamic and charismatic cousins, Hein and Adi Badenhorst, who hail from Constantia. Their grandfather managed the renowned Groot Constantia estate for 46 years, a legacy that deeply influenced their passion for winemaking. Their fathers were also born and farmed in Constantia, during a time when life was simpler, with fresh vegetables, Hanepoot grapes, Cinsault wine, fewer traffic lights, and a vibrant presence of hippies. Together, Hein and Adi have rejuvenated a neglected cellar on the farm, which had not been used since the 1930s, to produce natural wines using traditional methods.
About the Winemaker: Adi Badenhorst – A Short Story
Andre Adriaan Badenhorst, affectionately known as Adi, grew up amidst the vineyards of Constantia, often sneaking grapes during his childhood. His winemaking journey began at thirteen when Jean Daneel, then the winemaker at Buitenverwachting, allowed him to make his first wine.
Adi’s formal education at Elsenburg was followed by enriching experiences working harvests at Chateau Angelus, Alain Graillot in the northern Rhone, France, and Wither Hills in New Zealand. He also honed his skills at esteemed local cellars such as Simonsig, Steenberg, Groote Post, and spent nine years as the winemaker at the prestigious Stellenbosch estate, Rustenberg.
In 2008, Adi, alongside his cousin Hein, purchased a 60-hectare piece of land in the Paardeberg. Committed to biological farming and traditional winemaking, they transformed the land into a thriving vineyard. On Kalmoesfontein farm, they embrace a back-to-basics approach, using traditional equipment and old cement kuipe to create wines with immense character. Adi emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the winemaking process, striving to produce the best wines possible while enjoying the journey.
Adi Badenhorst is now a celebrated winemaker, a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, and a founding member of both the Swartland Revolution and Swartland Independent. He is also a proud father to Samuel Sunnyskies and Ana Kalander. Beyond winemaking, Adi is known for his diverse interests, including parrot farming, LP collecting, egg poaching, tea connoisseurship, Land Cruiser driving, ponytail wearing, and his status as a local legend.
