Our Story
Rooted in the Swartland, our story begins long before the first bottle was made. It is a story of legacy, dedication and a deep connection to the land – one that lives on through family, vines and the wines they inspire.
Legacy
The story of Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines begins with Dewaldt's grandfather, Jan Heyns, who purchased a small farm in the Paardeberg area of the Swartland – a rugged and demanding terroir that requires honesty and humility from those who work it. Jan passed away unexpectedly, leaving Dewaldt's father, Cecil Heyns, responsible for running the farm at the age of 19.
Cecil dedicated 52 years of his life to developing this modest grape farm in the Joubertskloof, navigating the cycles of the wine industry from the early 1960s into the new millennium. When the family farm was sold in 2014 upon Cecil's retirement, Dewaldt continued sourcing grapes from the original farm and beyond, honouring those who came before him.
It was this legacy that laid the foundation for the Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines label.
Beginnings
Built on that foundation, the Dewaldt Heyns label was established in 2006, when Dewaldt released his first Shiraz under his own name from vineyards planted by his father. It realised a dream he had carried since childhood, shaped by family, place and the distinct character of the Swartland.
That first Weathered Hands Shiraz included a small portion of Viognier from Tulbagh, where Dewaldt and his wife, Tania, were beginning their own family. It enhanced the wine’s aromatic complexity, while quietly echoing a chapter in their family story.
In 2009, the range expanded with a Chenin Blanc made from the oldest bush vines on the family farm, planted in 1972. In 2014, a Pinotage from vines planted in 1973 followed, earning early recognition both at home and abroad.
Until 2025, Dewaldt continued to source grapes from the farm where he grew up. At the same time, he was turning to other Swartland vineyards, which allowed him to further enhance the quality and diversity of wines in the portfolio.
The Weathered Hands range stands as a heartfelt tribute to Dewaldt’s roots – not a pursuit of prestige, but a reflection of a family’s bond with the land and the history woven through it.