The excellence of Allesverloren wine is rooted in a love of the land and its vineyards. Few families have served as its custodian and been fortunate to pass intimate knowledge from generation to generation. Early records are unclear, so Allesverloren’s history dates to between 1696 and 1704, when the governor of the Cape bequeathed it to a widow, Cloete. This courageous woman was among the first settlers to venture into the inhospitable region now famous as the Swartland. These early people had limited means, with only the most rudimentary agricultural equipment and necessities to support themselves.
Determination in the face of tragedy:
The name Allesverloren is a reflection of the history behind its wines. It originates from a pivotal moment in the family’s past. In the 1700s, to buy tools or attend church, the family would undertake a long and difficult journey by wagon along rough roads to Stellenbosch. During one such trip in 1704, they returned to find their house destroyed and their farm in
ruins. In that moment of loss, they believed everything was gone. The Dutch words for “all is lost”, “Allesverloren”, were adopted as both a reminder of that difficult time and a symbol of resilience.
Pioneers from the start:
By 1806, Allesverloren’s owners had harvested the estate’s first wine grapes. And, over 150 years ago, this mantle was passed on to the Malan family. Its land holdings have increased to 227 hectares, and its wines continue to earn international acclaim.
Allesverloren became the first estate to press wine in the Swartland.
A new chapter:
Allesverloren’s wine legacy began in 1872 with the arrival of the Malan family, led by Daniël Francois Malan. When he purchased the land, it was primarily used for growing wheat. However, it was the vineyards that truly captured his passion, and before long, his wines gained widespread popularity and demand.
A global mindset and a pioneer in planting climate-change cultivars:
Daniël first crafted a fortified wine, which evolved into the estate’s flagship port-style wine, now known as Allesverloren Cape Vintage.
The Malans of Allesverloren were pioneers in introducing Portuguese grape varieties to South Africa, and they played a key role in elevating the Swartland region, helping local wineries gain international recognition.
Pioneer in the development of the Swartland Wine District:
In 1986, Allesverloren was a founding member of the Swartland Wine Route, now known as the Swartland Wine and Olive Route. The farm is located in the Swartland wine region of South Africa. The KWV, then still a regulatory co-operative, supported the initiative and
made funding available for its development. The organisation established to administer these funds among Swartland producers was its eponymous Wine Trust, founded on 6 March 1986. The first meeting took place at the Swartland Wine Cellar.
