Silverthorn Wines

A Family Legacy

In 1976 Joachim Rieck, Karen’s father, was faced with a purchasing dilemma – buy a beautiful sea view property in Llandudno (now one of the most expensive areas in Cape Town, but at that time it had very little value) or buy Welmoed Farm, an 11 hectare property with some vineyards on the banks of the Breede River. Had he been financially driven, he might have predicted the increase in value of the Llandudno property, but he was led by a different kind of wisdom and heart – one which had learnt the value of a farm and the self-sufficiency that comes with it. Having grown up during World War II it was this gift he wished to give to his family. In 1992, when he presented the idea of handing over the family farm to his daughter, Karen, she was a young interior designer with no experience in farming. Nevertheless, Karen considered a career change and requested application forms for Viticulture and Oenology, the study of winemaking.

Now over two decades into the journey, Silverthorn Wines has truly established itself as a world-class Cap Classique brand and destination.

Silverthorne has chosen to adopt a sustainable approach to farming their vineyards, working in harmony with nature. They do not employ the use of insecticides or herbicides, instead opting to encourage natural cover crops and weeds between the vines to promote healthy soil microbes and microclimates. Fungicides are only used when necessary, and they make sure to use the most environmentally-friendly products available. Their compost program is extensive, involving the planting and harvesting of rye, oats, Lucerne, and the collection of garden trimmings, grape skins, and invasive water hyacinth from the Breede River. These materials are composted in large, rocked-walled sites to produce nutrient-rich soil. They also understand Silverthorn Farm to be more than just its vineyards, and have over the past 20 years planted over 200 trees, which include a variety of olives, almonds, pecans, apples, pears and other stone fruit along with numerous other non-fruit bearing trees.