Nativo wines is set on an old wheat farm in Malmesbury, Swartland. Bought in 2000 by Argentinian-born Billy Hughes and his late wife Penny, they, together with their daughter Kiki have been producing organic accredited wines since 2012 (they received NOP organic certification for both the USA and Europe in 2020), supplemented by biodynamic practices.
Their current winemaker Lieze Norval has been making wine under the Nativo label since 2017, with previous winemaker Bryan MacRobert having returned to make his own wine in Rioja, Spain after a 4 year tenure. The name and their subtly elliptical circle as logo have a number of meanings. ‘Nativo’ in reference to Billy’s birthplace, his journey to becoming a naturalised South African (no easy feat), and producing wines with a sense of place in a minimal interventionist manner.
The circle, a wine stain, “coming full circle” and the natural cycle of life that drives their enterprise. With 27 ha under vine they produce an impressive number of varietals, including: Grenache Noir and Blanc, Mourvèdre, Pinotage, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Chenin, Roussanne and Viognier - all contributing to their expressive red and white blends, as well as supplying a number of notable Swartland winemakers. With his background in engineering Billy has designed their cellar from retired shipping containers, stones, and other natural materials from the area- further speaking to their sense of place.
What you’ll be getting here is ‘SKOON Swartland’ / ‘Clean Swartland’ - and knowing the Swartland, it’s bound to be good.
