Jessica Saurwein’s family surname is steeped in the history of 17th-century winemaking, her forefathers made “sour” wine for the Emperor of Austria. It became her vocation to redeem her family’s reputation in wine, and so, after a gap year working locally and internationally in vineyards, she completed a BSc in Oenology and Viticulture degree at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Today she focuses on handcrafting her two favourite cultivars, Pinot noir and Riesling, and makes three wines under the Saurwein brand name: Two Pinot Noirs (Om & Nom) and one Riesling (Chi).

“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 carry forward the peace that its place of creation inspires”

“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.”

“Chi means life force, and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). Situated in the fertile Elgin valley, the picturesque vineyard site inspired the creation of this crisp, handcrafted Riesling.”

Join us at Wine Menu as we journey through a 10 year vertical of the marvellous Nom Pinot Noir, as well as a selection of Om Pinot Noir, and Chi Riesling.

What we’ll be tasting:

Nom 2015 – first vintage, very little sulfur, but still standing strong! Lots of fruit left last time I had a bottle

Nom 2016 – Decanter top 50 most exciting wines in the world – quite peppery and light!

Nom 2017 – vintage of my first born, riper expression of Elandskloof

Nom 2018 – my personal favourite vintage and the first vintage of Om and Chi

Nom 2019 – classic vintage

Nom 2020 – vintage of my second born son, vintage of madness and beings of light

Nom 2021 – arrival at the beginning of our dreams of a vineyard/ farm/ cellar

Nom 2022 – grit, sweat, tears, realness and some high accolades from Decanter and Jancis Robinson

Nom 2023 – light and ethereal, bright, perfumed and the year of the flood

Nom 2024 – dark, unctuous, concentrated, deep – Seriously the best I have made!

Om 2022 – grit, sweat, tears, floods, realness and some high accolades from Decanter and Jancis Robinson

Om 2024 – dark, unctuous, concentrated, deep – Seriously the best I have made!

Chi 2023 – showing so well now with so much fruit and freshness, but a typical Riesling character.

Chi 2025 – great vintage

Seats are very limited so booking is essential. CLICK HERE TO BOOK