It was back in 1999 that Chris Piper visited the Cluver family's De Rust farm, at Grabouw, for the first time. Situated high in the South African apple-growing hills in Elgin, the Cluver's farm was transitioning from fruit growing to the production of quality wine grapes. Over twenty-five years later, the close relationship between the Cluver family and Christopher Piper Wines, continues to flourish.
Today, their wines are nothing short of outstanding and we are delighted to announce that, in Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Special Report 2025, Dr Paul Clüver has been named a Winemaking Legend and inducted into the South Africa Hall of Fame. A true visionary of South African wine, Dr Clüver played a pivotal role in establishing Elgin as one of the country’s leading cool-climate regions, building a legacy defined by innovation, sustainability, and family tradition.
