The latest release from Jessica Saurwein represents the 10th year of the eponymous label.
Jessica, born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, grew up with a blend of German and South African heritage, moving to Cape Town in 1996. From age 14, she was exposed to wine culture through family traditions and her mother’s South African wine imports.
After a gap year working in vineyards in South Africa and France, she earned a BSc in Oenology and Viticulture from Stellenbosch University. Initially working in sales and marketing at Bouchard Finlayson and Kleinood Farm, she continued cellar work during harvests. In 2015, she launched Saurwein Wines part-time, focusing on Pinot Noir and Riesling.
After having a child in October 2017, she transitioned to full-time winemaking, producing three acclaimed wines: Nom and Om Pinot Noirs and Chi Riesling. In 2021, she and her family moved to Waterval farm near Stanford, embracing regenerative agriculture and planning to plant their own vineyard.
Known for her “hands-off” approach, Jessica crafts wines with energy and harmony.
Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). The Saurwein Chi Riesling is a floral and fruity style of off-dry Riesling made from grapes sourced from the following cooler climate regions of South Africa: 60% Casey’s Ridge Vineyard in Elgin, grown on loamy and rocky red slate soils (Riesling clone WR1 10F; planted 2011); 20% Dal Farm, Elgin, grown on alternating rocky, red slate (Riesling clone 110; planted 2007); 20% De Bos Farm, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grown on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB; planted 2011).
2025 was a dream vintage: long, cool ripening resulting in the desired yellow grapes and immense aromatics. Keywords for this vintage: fresh, fruity, textured – delicious!
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.
Nom stands for nombulelo (gratitude in “Xhosa”) and Nomkhubulwane (a forgotten African goddess of agriculture). Situated at 700m altitude, the vineyard is a place where gratitude is instilled and tales appear. This extreme vineyard site has a shale origin with a significant portion of granite in the topsoil and clay throughout. I believe this gives breadth and power to the Nom. It lies at 700 m above sea level and is surrounded by tall mountains, making for a unique terroir ideal for the optimal ripening for Pinot Noir, in this case clones 115, 667 & 777. The vineyard was planted in 2008.
18 barrels produced.
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity.
Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth), a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carryforward the peace that its place of creation inspires.
This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300 m above sea level, in what can be described as perfect Pinot Noir terroir! The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay in the subsoil. The clones are 115 and 667, planted in 2006.
15 barrels produced.
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive.
95/100.
R2,750.00Original price was: R2,750.00.R2,612.50Current price is: R2,612.50.Add to basket
Saurwein Mixed Vintage Case
5% Discount + Free Delivery
In celebration of 10 years of Saurwein, we’ve put together a mixed case with her latest vintages of:
And included some older vintages,
‘Chi’ Riesling 2024
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2022
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2023
The 2025 ‘Chi’ sees the inclusion of a third vineyard of Riesling from Elgin.
Taste the difference 20% makes between the two vintages, according to Jessica the 2024 ‘Chi’: “Fragrant citrus blossom, yellow flowers and citrus, white pear, ginger, flint” The ‘Om’ 2022 according to Jessica: “Red berries, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated, velvety tannin, crisp acidity, medium-bodied. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond the initial fruit and is poised and oh so age-worthy too!” The ‘Om’ 2023 according to Jessica: “The wine is red fruited with lots of red berries, spices and some “fynbos” (wild herb character), fruit-coated and fine tannin and a crisp acidity. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond theinitial fruit and holds great aging potential. With time more savoury umami characters charm the drinker. A vintage to stock up on!”
Saurwein | 10 years!
The latest release from Jessica Saurwein represents the 10th year of the eponymous label.
Jessica, born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, grew up with a blend of German and South African heritage, moving to Cape Town in 1996. From age 14, she was exposed to wine culture through family traditions and her mother’s South African wine imports.
After a gap year working in vineyards in South Africa and France, she earned a BSc in Oenology and Viticulture from Stellenbosch University. Initially working in sales and marketing at Bouchard Finlayson and Kleinood Farm, she continued cellar work during harvests. In 2015, she launched Saurwein Wines part-time, focusing on Pinot Noir and Riesling.
After having a child in October 2017, she transitioned to full-time winemaking, producing three acclaimed wines: Nom and Om Pinot Noirs and Chi Riesling. In 2021, she and her family moved to Waterval farm near Stanford, embracing regenerative agriculture and planning to plant their own vineyard.
Known for her “hands-off” approach, Jessica crafts wines with energy and harmony.
The Wines:
R240.00Add to basket
Saurwein 'Chi' Riesling 2025
Elgin & Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley WOs
Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). The Saurwein Chi Riesling is a floral and fruity style of off-dry Riesling made from grapes sourced from the following cooler climate regions of South Africa: 60% Casey’s Ridge Vineyard in Elgin, grown on loamy and rocky red slate soils (Riesling clone WR1 10F; planted 2011); 20% Dal Farm, Elgin, grown on alternating rocky, red slate (Riesling clone 110; planted 2007); 20% De Bos Farm, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grown on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB; planted 2011).
2025 was a dream vintage: long, cool ripening resulting in the desired yellow grapes and immense aromatics. Keywords for this vintage: fresh, fruity, textured – delicious!
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.
R580.00Add to basket
Saurwein 'Nom' Pinot Noir 2024
Elandskloof WO
KAAIMANSGAT VINEYARD, VILLIERSDORP
Nom stands for nombulelo (gratitude in “Xhosa”) and Nomkhubulwane (a forgotten African goddess of agriculture). Situated at 700m altitude, the vineyard is a place where gratitude is instilled and tales appear. This extreme vineyard site has a shale origin with a significant portion of granite in the topsoil and clay throughout. I believe this gives breadth and power to the Nom. It lies at 700 m above sea level and is surrounded by tall mountains, making for a unique terroir ideal for the optimal ripening for Pinot Noir, in this case clones 115, 667 & 777. The vineyard was planted in 2008.
18 barrels produced.
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity.
R580.00Add to basket
Saurwein 'Om' Pinot Noir 2024
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge WO
PLACE OF THE GODS FARM, WALKER BAY
Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth), a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carryforward the peace that its place of creation inspires.
This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300 m above sea level, in what can be described as perfect Pinot Noir terroir! The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay in the subsoil. The clones are 115 and 667, planted in 2006.
15 barrels produced.
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive.
95/100.
R2,750.00Original price was: R2,750.00.R2,612.50Current price is: R2,612.50.Add to basketSaurwein Mixed Vintage Case
5% Discount + Free Delivery
In celebration of 10 years of Saurwein, we’ve put together a mixed case with her latest vintages of:
‘Chi’ Riesling 2025
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2024
‘Nom’ Pinot Noir 2024
And included some older vintages,
‘Chi’ Riesling 2024
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2022
‘Om’ Pinot Noir 2023
The 2025 ‘Chi’ sees the inclusion of a third vineyard of Riesling from Elgin.
Taste the difference 20% makes between the two vintages, according to Jessica the 2024 ‘Chi’:
“Fragrant citrus blossom, yellow flowers and citrus, white pear, ginger, flint”
The ‘Om’ 2022 according to Jessica:
“Red berries, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated, velvety tannin, crisp acidity, medium-bodied. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond the initial fruit and is poised and oh so age-worthy too!”
The ‘Om’ 2023 according to Jessica:
“The wine is red fruited with lots of red berries, spices and some “fynbos” (wild herb character), fruit-coated and fine tannin and a crisp acidity. I love this wine, as it has depth and intensity beyond theinitial fruit and holds great aging potential. With time more savoury umami characters charm the drinker. A vintage to stock up on!”
READ MORE ABOUT SAURWEIN HERE