Black Oystercatcher Wines

Their lives entwined with the sea, Black Oystercatchers thrive along the coastline around the cool tip of Africa. Similarly, the Human family has farmed here successfully for generations and were amongst the pioneers who established vineyards in the maritime ward of Elim.

Top Wines From The Get Go

Winemaker, Dirk Human, launched the Black Oystercatcher range in 2005 with a Shiraz and a Sauvignon Blanc. Discerning wine enthusiasts have agreed and the maiden vintage of Black Oystercatcher Sauvignon Blanc was voted one of the Top Ten wines at Winex 2005. Within a few months it couldn't be found for love or money. The 2006 vintage of the Sauvignon Blanc then sold out within 3 months of being released. The 2007 vintage followed, winning 4 Platter stars.

The Black Oystercatcher Shiraz are all sold out and have been discontinued. Dirk has turned his attention to the creation of red blends. The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend is now available, as is Dirk's new (and fabulous) cabernet / shiraz / merlot blend called Triton. The 2006 vintage of Triton is also available now.

White Pearl is a Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc blend that Dirk happened upon whilst blending his 2006 whites. This capricious creation was so palatable that Dirk immediately decided it should exist in its own right.

Another new addition to Black Oystercatcher boutique wines is the Rosé. In true Black Oystercatcher style, this wine is truly distinctive with strawberry and pomegranate aromas and a taste that complements the Human's favourite food - fish.

Full, crisp and minerally with lots of concentrated fruit and an excellent long finish, the Black Oystercatcher wines embody their terroir. They are a pure expression of the pristine and ruggedly beautiful landscape on which their fruit is grown. They reflect the mysteries and adventure of the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet that have intrigued man for thousands of years.

Owner and Winemaker

Owner, winemaker and viticulturist, Dirk Human, grows and produces the full range of Black Oystercatcher wines on his family farm, Moddervlei, just 6km from the historic town of Elim and 30km from Bredasdorp. The entire farm spans 1850 hectares, of which only 20 hectares is planted, producing 100 tons per year.

'The vineyard is uniquely situated at the tip of Africa, producing a truly unique range of wines,' says Human. He explains that as the farm is bordered by oceans on three sides, the cool sea breezes constantly caress the grapes, allowing them to ripen gradually. Furthermore, the maritime terroir of the peninsula provides cool laterite, sandstone and broken shale soils in conjunction with mild temperatures and a high light intensity during the ripening stages. These factors serve to engrave the grapes with intense berry flavors, low pH and high natural acidity, thereby producing exceptional wines of distinction that are sure to capture the imaginations and tantalize the palates of wine aficionados the world over.