The Farm
Hermann Gebers bought the farm in 1981 in the picturesque area between the towns of Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Situated on a ridge, the winery offers panoramic views of Cape Point, False Bay and the surrounding Helderberg Mountains. This area is one of the preeminent wine regions in South Africa and falls under the ward of Stellenboch.
The farm was systematically planted to vineyard. In 1996 Nick Gebers made a couple of experimental barrels. Two vintages later, and after a stint in Burgundy, the first vintage was released.
As the Homestead had originally operated as a Post Office, which used to serve the local missionary community of Raithby, it was a logical step to associate the wine with its postal origin. The winery was thus named Post House.
The property covers a total of 71 hectares of which 38 hectares falls under vineyard. Situated 7km from the False Bay coast between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, a breach in the coastal ridge channels the south and south west winds towards the vineyards and these being generally cool breezes helps moderate the summer temperatures.
The site, which was originally a mix of tobacco and bush wines up until the early 80’s was systematically planted to vineyard, each vineyard was selected to what was considered the best cultivar match for the terroir. The total planned vineyard will be 45 hectares. As of 2009 the vineyard comprises of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and a sprinkle of Viognier.
Our Philosophy
Post House wines are perhaps the darkest coloured wine to be found anywhere. The objective is to interfere as little as possible in the creation of the wine making process. We use traditional wine making methods including natural yeast fermentation, basket pressing and no fining or filtering.
The importance of the terroir is fundamental to obtaining a high quality wine. In this context, terroir means to reject the more fertile soils in favor of leaner ground. The reality is that the Post House farm was originally viewed as a marginal farm in the perspective of its potential as an agricultural unit. It is only when producing wine from the grapes as opposed to selling the grapes, that the marginal aspect of the fertility of the soil has become a positive. The marginal aspect results in vines that are more in balance, without being excessively vigorous and the associated drawbacks of high yields and shaded fruit. Excessive canopy shade causes a decrease in bud fertility, sugar concentration, color density, flavor and tartaric acid while it increases potassium concentration, pH and malic acid. A balanced vine results in a good balance between alcohol and acidity and this is what we strive for in the vineyard.
Post House Team
Nick Gebers
Owner Winemaker
Tracy Gebers
Finance and Accounting
Cellar & Vineyard Staff