Meinert Wines

Devon Crest Farm was purchased in 1987 by Martin Meinert. At that stage it was an 11,5ha estate in Devon Valley. Because most of the vines were debilitated by leaf-roll virus, the plan to replant was initiated in 1989, a process finally completed in 2008. In 1997 the family purchased an adjoining parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which had been planted in 1989. The entire farm now covers a total of 16ha. 

Martin completed the building of the winery in 1990, and the first wine, a small quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon, was made in 1991. These and subsequent vintages including 1996 were never bottled but sold in bulk to wholesalers. Our commercial production began with the 1997 vintage, producing a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend which were released in 1999. 

We rely on Devon Crest Vineyards as the source for our red wines. Devon Crest is now fully planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot and a small vineyard of Semillon. The last two varieties produced their first crop in 2012. For the Sauvignon blanc and Riesling grapes we rely on top growers in Elgin, chosen for delicate cool climate characteristics.

OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND LABELS

The distinctive Meinert labels have their origin in the colours of the Devon Crest vineyard: red-brown soils, dark green vine leaves and the sky overhead. Designer Athol Moult of Pitchblack was briefed that the front labels should be clean and uncluttered, yet distinctive. 

It turned out that the choice of “burnt orange” as the lead colour was fortuitous as the bottles stand out anywhere and it has become one of our distinguishing features. The handwriting is that of winemaker Martin Meinert, who feels that his boutique style wines should have a distinctive personal stamp. 

Awards

Tim Atkin SA Report 2020

Meinert Printer’s Ink Pinotage Devon Valley 2017 90 PTS

Meinert Synchronicity Devon Valley 2016 91 PTS

Meinert Graduate Syrah Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2018 90 PTS

Tim Atkin SA Report 2019 

Meinert Cabernet Sauvignon Devon Valley 2015 90 PTS

Meinert German Job Riesling Elgin 2016 91 PTS

Meinert Merlot Devon Valley 2016 91 PTS

Meinert Printer’s Ink Pinotage Devon Valley 2016 91 PTS

Meinert Synchronicity Devon Valley 2015 90 PTS

Meinert The Graduate Syrah Upper Hemel-en Aarde Valley

2017 90 PTS

Tim Atkin SA Report 2018 

Meinert German Job Riesling Elgin 2016 91 PTS

Meinert Printer’s Ink Pinotage Devon Valley 2015 91 PTS

Meinert Synchronicity Devon Valley 2013 90 PTS

Meinert The Graduate Syrah Upper Hemel-en Aarde Valley 2016 90 PTS

Collection