Discover Our Estate

The original estate developed around ancient footpaths and well-worn routes where ox-wagons once traced the mountain’s contours and travellers sought safe river crossings.

History of Rickety Bridge

Originally part of La Provence farm granted to French Huguenot farmers in 1694, the property was later renamed Zanddrift, then Paulinas Dal – honouring its 18th century owner Paulina de Villiers, who died young at 26 but left her mark on this valley forever. An adjacent historic property with its mid-19th century werf still intact, is now a proud part of the Rickety Bridge Estate, reminding us that the most enduring foundations are built through collaboration and community.

Estate History

From the late 18th century onward, people have found ways to thrive here – adapting to seasonal floods, creating parallel routes when rivers ran high, and building structures that still stand today with their original Cape doors and handcrafted details. Our winery has been in operation since 1797 and proudly celebrates a centuries-old legacy while embracing new winemaking techniques and innovations.

A spirit of resourcefulness runs deep in Franschhoek’s soil. Early settlers understood that lasting success comes from working with the land, not against it. The linear arrangement of our buildings, the mature oaks that still shade our paths, the way our manor house once faced both road and river were all thoughtful choices made by people who planned for generations ahead.

“This new era at Rickety Bridge Estate reflects our respect of what has come before and a delight in what is still to come.”

Simon & Melissa CrosbieRickety Bridge Owners

Bridging the Gap

Through our Bridging the Gap initiative, we are building a lasting legacy that empowers individuals and fosters sustainable growth. This initiative reflects our belief that meaningful change begins with people, purpose, and partnership.

Our partnerships with local organisations and businesses ensure that our efforts are sustainable and aligned with the needs of the community.

Our Initiatives

Our current initiatives include a Sports Centre and a Learning and Resource Centre in nearby Groendel, a thriving Music Academy for Franschhoek scholars, a Hospitality and Learning Academy for training and upskilling of local young adults and a Water Hub that addresses issues of water and river management in our valley.

OUR SISTER WINERY IN THE UK

Artelium

Crafted in Sussex, England, Artelium Wine Estate celebrates the innovative and creative spirit of modern English winemaking. Their quintessentially English sparkling and still wines are crafted from noble grape varieties grown across the picturesque Sussex South Downs. The results are award-winning, vintage specific, wines focusing on quality and character.

Founded by husband and wife team, Mark Collins, and Julie Bretland, Artelium set out to build a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration come together, with the brand name blending art and ium - Latin for ‘a place to congregate’ - reflecting the philosophy of enjoying great wines in good company in a beautiful setting.