About us
Arbelos Wines is a joint venture between Slanghoek Winery and Botha Cellar and is situated in the picturesque Breedekloof Valley in the Western Cape, South Africa.
In geometry, an arbelos is an area bounded by three semicircles which are connected at the corners, on a baseline. The name arbelos is Greek and means “shoemaker’s knife” and was used by Archimedes when he was describing the geometric figure, as it closely resembled a knife used by cobblers in ancient times.
Slanghoek and Botha Cellars have a long history of producing quality wines and are the preferred suppliers of major wine wholesales in South Africa and international.
The decision making in the Arbelos structure has been set-up with short and open communication lines in order to support modern farming with the fast and efficient delivery of a quality product in a constant changing environment.
Total production of Arbelos equates to 70 000 tons with a mix of 25 different grape varietals spread over 4000 hectares from 70 farms. Both wineries have been equipped with the latest wine making technologies such as pneumatic presses and cross flow filters etc.
A laboratory and fully equipped offices with modern communication technologies puts Arbelos in the league of modern and quality wineries in the Southern Hemisphere.
The farmers have enormous pride in the beauty of their environment. Great care and sensitivity towards nature is always considered.
As quality starts in the vineyards, expert opinion and clear communication from our viticulturists steer farmers in their decision making on planting, canope management, pruning and harvesting.
The farmers are also proactive employers. Labour relations are of utmost importance.
Arbelos, Slanghoek Winery and Botha Cellar have all been accredited by the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association or WIETA on both agricultural and producer levels.
WIETA is a South African organisation and promotes ethical trade in the South African wine industry.
Systems are in place to ensure that all cellar workers are constantly trained and made aware of the importance of their work, be it winemaking, handling of technical equipment and hygiene.
Our production facilities are either FSSC22000 or ISO22000 accredited. Annual audits take place.
The handling and minimal use of chemicals is an important part of wine making. We are a member of the South African IPW scheme, or the “Integrated Production of Wine” which strives to increase the integrity of wine certifications, as well as the sustainable production and traceability up to product level.
Tasting of wines is conducted by experienced winemakers who travel the world on a regular basis to keep themselves updated on the latest consumer trends.
Slanghoek Winery and Botha Cellar have won numerous local and international wine awards.
Please visit our wineries and experience firsthand our exciting venture, Arbelos.