Idiom Wines

The Cape Idiom on Da Capo Vineyards

Idiom Wines is based at Da Capo Vineyards on Knorhoek Road, off Old Sir Lowry's Pass Road in Somerset West — the southernmost corner of the Stellenbosch wine region in the Helderberg. The name is deliberate: Idiom presents itself as the Cape expression of European classics, a meeting of Italian family heritage and Helderberg terroir.

Owned by the Bottega family — Alberto Bottega (born Milan 1942, emigrated to Cape Town in 1950) with Valerie and children Roberto, Laura and Silvana — the estate pairs a diverse vineyard portfolio with a destination restaurant and tasting centre built in 2016. Architecture by Thomas Leach, developed with Alberto and Roberto Bottega, is described as New World modernism on an Old World foundation — matching the wines' dual identity.

Why "Da Capo"?

Da Capo means "from the beginning" (and playfully "from the Cape") in Italian. Vineyards were carefully laid out and planted from 1999. Estate storytelling also links the name to the famous Three Tenors encore request — "Da Capo!" — after a July 1990 concert, underscoring the family's Italian cultural thread.

The site faces Conical Peak, the distinctive granite apex that helped draw Alberto Bottega to the property as a visual landmark for guests exploring the Helderberg basin. From the terrace and tasting bar, views stretch across vineyards to False Bay and, on clear days, the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain toward Cape Point.

Elevation, wind and soils

Official terroir notes place slopes between roughly 200 and 350 metres, with north, west and south aspects creating multiple micro-sites on a property of about 150 hectares. Soils include decomposed granite / Tukulu with clay bases and Table Mountain Sandstone influences. Powerful wind limits berry size and concentrates flavour — useful context when tasting bold Bordicon or aromatic Italian varietals side by side. Maritime proximity to False Bay cools the southern Stellenbosch mesoclimate.

Varietals and signature blends

Idiom's collection is among the Cape's most diverse, with 20 cultivars planted. Guests can compare French-inspired Bordeaux and Rhône styles with Italian and Mediterranean single varietals — Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Viognier, Grenache Noir, Malbec and more — all grown in Helderberg conditions. Winemaker Reino Thiart (winemaker since 2007 after sales experience in the UK and South Africa) styles both reserved classic wines and aromatic modern single varietals.

Flagship lettered blends carry invented "-ico" names that nod to European heritage without misusing protected geographic terms:

• 'B' Bordicon — Bordeaux-style (e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon-led with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec)
• 'R' Rodanico — Rhône-inspired
• 'I' Iberico — Iberian/Spanish-inspired
• 'C' Cape Blend — Pinotage-led Cape Blend

Limited 900 Series releases (900 bottles or fewer) showcase rare single-varietal bottlings. The Heritage Series offers Italian-rooted, restaurant-friendly value wines. Recent recognition includes Gold for Bordicon 2022 at the 2026 Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters (London) and a fifth win for the Cape Blend at the Perold ABSA Cape Blend Competition (2022 vintage).

Restaurant, tastings and eco-safari

Idiom Restaurant offers contemporary Italian–South African fusion in a ~100-seat dining room plus terrace. Options include a signature three-course set menu with wine pairings, à la carte and pizza. The Vinotria Italian Wine Library displays around 250 Italian wines distributed by Bottega Family Wines — a virtual tour of Italy's regions alongside Idiom's Cape bottles.

Typical hours: Monday–Sunday 09:30–16:30, with Thursday and Friday evenings to 21:00 for sunset dinners and immersive wine experiences. Wine tastings run roughly 10:00–16:30. Closed Christmas Day. Book via +27 21 858 1088 or reservations@idiom.co.za. Address: Da Capo Vineyards, Knorhoek Road, off Old Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West, 7130. GPS often listed near 34º 6'14.1″S, 18º 56'12.4″E.

Beyond the glass, Idiom offers an eco-safari drive through vineyards, fynbos and game animals in the eco reserve at the foot of the Helderberg. The venue also hosts weddings and corporate events. Occasional workshops (for example a Cape Blend Experience blending day) appear on the events calendar — check dates before travel.

Helderberg itinerary fit

Idiom is a natural lunch-and-tasting anchor on a Helderberg / Sir Lowry's Pass loop, pairing well with neighbouring estates toward Somerset West and the N2 corridor. Allow time for the approach via Knorhoek Road (brick paving, speed bumps, visitor book at the historic Knorhoek gate). Combine restaurant booking with a guided tasting of Bordicon or Italian varietals if you want the full "Cape Idiom" narrative.

Visit tips

• Location: Da Capo Vineyards, Knorhoek Rd, Somerset West / Helderberg
• Website: idiom.co.za
• Phone: +27 (0) 21 858 1088 | reservations@idiom.co.za
• Restaurant & tasting open 7 days (evening service Thu–Fri)
• Ask for lettered blends (Bordicon, Rodanico, Iberico, Cape Blend) and 900 Series
• Eco-safari and events available — book ahead
• Wine orders/distribution: +27 (0) 21 852 3590 | online@idiom.co.za

FAQ

Is Idiom in Stellenbosch or Somerset West?

The farm is in Somerset West's Helderberg, within the southern Stellenbosch wine region appellation.

What should first-time visitors taste?

Start with a flagship lettered blend (Bordicon or Cape Blend) and one Italian single varietal such as Barbera or Sangiovese to understand the dual identity.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes for restaurant meals and recommended for tastings and safari experiences, especially weekends and Thursday/Friday evenings.