wine

Clouds have a range of 9 wines to choose from. Our selection includes a crisp, effervescent MCC, a herbaceous sauvignon, the blanc de noir with its fresh aromas, the oh-so fruity chenin, the beautifully wooded and unwooded chardonnays, an earthy pinot noir, a bold and spicy shiraz and a Bordeaux style field blend, all equally enjoyable now, but wines that matures beautifully with age.

The climate and soil of Helshoogte support the harvesting of grapes for wine-making on this working wine farm. For more than a dozen years Clouds has grown and harvested chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet, merlot & petit verdot. Shiraz, carignan and grenache noir grapes were added to this petite estate in 2018.

Winemaker Donovan Rall is hands-off in the cellar and believes that fermenting and aging leave must little imprint on what the fruit offers. He loves using bigger barrels, as well as clay and concrete to compliment the specific styles we are after.

His unwavering commitment to quality and his passion for winemaking have earned him a reputation as one of South Africa’s leading winemakers. His dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine. Donovan has received numerous accolades and awards, including being crowned the Winemaker of the year by Tim Aitkin in 2025.

What sets Donovan apart is his refusal to follow a formula. He champions small-batch production, minimal intervention, and the patience to let wines evolve naturally. It is a way of working that mirrors the Clouds philosophy: quality over quantity, authenticity over trend. For visitors, tasting these wines against the backdrop of the Simonsberg is more than a sensory experience – it’s a connection to the people, place and passion behind them.