Raats Family Wines

Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc specialists of Polkadraai

Raats Family Wines is a Stellenbosch Valley specialist cellar on Eden Farm in the Polkadraai Hills, dedicated almost single-mindedly to two varieties: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Founded in 2000 by visionary winemaker Bruwer Raats on a philosophy of “excellence through specialisation” and “Quality by Design,” the house has spent 25 vintages refining soil-driven expressions from decomposed dolomite granite on south-facing, ocean-proximate slopes—and helped drive Polkadraai Hills’ recognition as an official Stellenbosch ward in 2007.

This is not a casual walk-in tourism farm. Tastings are private, appointment-only experiences in a limited tasting room—ideal for drinkers who care about Cabernet Franc benchmarks, old-vine Chenin and the Mvemve Raats collaboration wines that sit among South Africa’s most collected bottles.

Family, farm and focus

Bruwer Raats established the winery after making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape. Early partnership with brother Jasper later evolved; cousin Gavin Bruwer Slabbert joined in 2010, realising the dream of family working together. Today Bruwer’s sons deepen roots on the farm: Samuel Raats in vineyards and cellar alongside Gavin and Bruwer, and Joshua Raats in marketing. The address remains Vlaeberg Road, Polkadraai, Stellenbosch, 7600.

Bruwer’s stated goal for Cabernet Franc was purity, freshness and lower alcohol—exactly what Polkadraai’s decomposed dolomite soils, cool maritime influence and aspect can deliver. Classical, refined winemaking followed: hand sorting, thoughtful oak and concrete use, and a hierarchy of Franc expressions that lets drinkers climb from floral, approachable bottles to high-density single-vineyard icons.

The Raats Collection hierarchy

Chenin Blanc track

• Original Chenin Blanc — the accessible, precise house Chenin statement
• Old Vine Chenin Blanc — deeper old-vine texture and complexity when available
• Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc — ultra-premium high-density Eden parcel expression

Cabernet Franc track

• Dolomite Cabernet Franc — most floral and approachable of the Franc quartet; often Cabernet Franc with a dash of Malbec in some vintages; aged in older oak and concrete; graphite, green pepper, tomato leaf and black cherry notes in critic write-ups
• Family Reserve Cabernet Franc (previously released as Raats Cabernet Franc; Reserve added from the 2022 vintage) — flagship from vines high on Vlaeberg mountain; hand-sorted, cold-soaked, aged ~18 months in French oak; tiny production (e.g. ~2 600 bottles cited for 2022)
• Vlag Vineyard Selection Polkadraai Hills Cabernet Franc — vineyard-selection Franc when released
• Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc — top-tier high-density Eden Franc

Blends and related lines

• Jasper Red Blend — Cabernet Franc–anchored red blend celebrating family naming
• Mvemve Raats (MR) collaboration — notably MR de Compostella (iconic Bordeaux-style Stellenbosch blend) and MR Vesperi; library vintages and magnums appear for collectors
• Bruwer Vintners collection — parallel creative line including Méthode Ancestral, Grenache Rosé, Haarlem to Hope, Lone Wolf Cinsault, Liberté and other experimental / heritage-minded pours

Many Raats wines are suitable for vegetarian/vegan diets and the producer works organically in published trade profiles—ask for current certifications at tasting.

Visiting Eden Farm

Private wine tasting: R350 per guest (booking fee non-refundable). Taste Raats Family Wines, Bruwer Vintners and MR de Compostella in the private tasting room on Eden Farm. Booking essential via raats.co.za/products/appointment or office@raats.co.za.

Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–16:00; Saturday 10:00–15:00; Sunday closed. Public holidays—contact office@raats.co.za.

Contact: +27 79 661 6610 · Vlaeberg Road, Polkadraai, Stellenbosch. Web: raats.co.za. Shipping available to SA, US, UK and EU via the online shop; Raats Private Club and Family Tree subscription offer ongoing access without lifelong lock-ins.

Stellenbosch Valley itinerary fit

Build a Polkadraai Hills specialist morning: book Raats first (appointment slots fill), then continue to neighbouring Polkadraai producers interested in granite soils, Chenin and Cabernet Franc. This tasting rewards preparation—read the Dolomite vs Family Reserve vs Eden hierarchy before you arrive so you can ask precise questions. Collectors should enquire about MR de Compostella library vintages and Eden high-density releases; Chenin lovers should request Original vs Old Vine vs Eden flights when stock allows.

Visit tips

• Appointment only—no casual walk-ins; R350 pp non-refundable booking
• Eden Farm, Vlaeberg Road, Polkadraai Hills (Stellenbosch Valley)
• Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00; Sat 10:00–15:00; Sun closed
• Focus ask: Dolomite → Family Reserve → Eden Franc; Chenin ladder
• MR de Compostella / Mvemve Raats for collectors
• Bruwer Vintners for ancestral, Cinsault, Rosé and creative pours
• Website: raats.co.za · office@raats.co.za · +27 79 661 6610
• Join Private Club or Family Tree subscription if you want ongoing releases

FAQ

What is Raats famous for?

Specialising in Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc from Polkadraai Hills dolomite granite since 2000, with international benchmark status for both varieties.

Can I visit without booking?

No. The tasting room is private and booking is essential; Sundays are closed.

Where is Polkadraai Hills?

A Stellenbosch ward west of town, ocean-proximate, south-facing slopes of decomposed dolomite granite—Raats was a driving force behind its 2007 official recognition.