Established by the Grieve family, Avondale Wine Estate has long been a pioneer of sustainable viticulture. With over two decades of dedication to certified organic and biodynamic farming, we are proud to offer wines that honour the land we nurture. Our family’s commitment to responsible farming ensures that we leave a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem for future generations.

Our Ethos
Family, farm, heritage and craftsmanship
Discover a wine farm where family, sustainability, heritage, and artisanal craftsmanship come together.
Today, Avondale Wine Estate is a place where the past and present unite in harmony. From vibrant vineyards to handcrafted wines, it reflects a deep connection to nature, family, and the future.
Experience Avondale – where history, family, and innovation come together to celebrate this place we call home.

A family passion
Avondale History
Avondale Wine Estate is one of the oldest Wine Estates in this region. Back in 1694, the Government at the time, gave the land to an individual called Hendrick Roodeberg. This piece of land was known as Gele Blomme Vallei due to the specific flower that flourished in this region. Early records show that the land was one of the first in the Paarl valley to be allocated specifically for the production of wine grapes.
Over a period of time, the farm changed names and parts of the farm were subdivided and sold off.
In 1996, the Grieve family, purchased the 160ha farm that is now known as Avondale. John and Ginny Grieve passed the farming venture to their youngest son Johnathan Grieve, who is now the current proprietor. Johnathan did not have any farming background, as he was studying to be an art major. His mother Ginny says that the only little bit of farming experience he had, been that from age 3, he was selling their vegetables to the neighbors. However, Johnathan took up the challenge and released the first vintage under the Avondale label in 1999. He has pioneered the entire estate into one of the worlds leading biodynamic and organic farms.
commitment to organic
A Love of the Land
In taking up the challenge of transforming long-used land, Johnathan Grieve created a thriving, balanced vineyard ecosystem designed to support future generations. When a devastating fire swept down the mountains in 2000, the land was reshaped with purpose, allowing for the rebirth of sustainable practices. Johnathan embraced organic and biodynamic viticulture—not for certification, but because these practices nurture life across the farm. He also looked to modern science and sustainability technologies, weaving together traditional and innovative approaches to create a unique farming and winemaking methodology. Guided by Nature as both mentor and measure, Johnathan enriched the soil, planted new vines, and committed to crafting natural, delicious wines within a healthy, balanced environment.
Every step reflects a holistic, systems-based approach, ensuring that Avondale creates extraordinary wines, wholeheartedly approved by Mother Nature.
Avondale’s gardens are a serene extension of this commitment to nature and biodiversity, lovingly tended by four generations of the family. Beautifully landscaped and organically maintained, the gardens feature indigenous plants, stunning vistas, rose and shade gardens, providing guests with a peaceful, immersive experience.
CAPE HERITAGE
Historical Buildings on Avondale
At Avondale Wine Estate, history lives on through a collection of beautifully preserved heritage buildings. The Grieve family is deeply committed to conserving these architectural treasures while indulging a passion for restoring Cape Dutch furniture, breathing new life into pieces from a bygone era.
The Manor House, dating back to the 1700s, is home to Johnathan Grieve and his family. This historically rich structure reflects Avondale’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, Johnathan’s parents, Ginny and John Grieve, have transformed the original gravity flow cellar, built in 1813, into a unique home.
The estate’s history is anchored by The Coach House, one of Avondale’s oldest structures, originally a cow shed featuring a water sluice that still hints at its past function. This charming building opens onto the werf, a classic feature of Cape Dutch farms, adding to its charm.
Also gracing the estate is the Pool House, a lovely structure dating back to the 1850s, adding a touch of history and elegance to the farm’s landscape. These buildings represent the Grieves’ dedication to preserving Avondale’s heritage for generations to come.