Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate produces wines as unexpected as they are enchanting. A true Cinderella story, Brookdale was once overgrown until the Rudd family recognised the potential and acquired the 67-hectare estate in 2015. Their vision was to produce fine, world-class wines, including interesting blends crafted from varietals that are somewhat ‘unusual’ in South Africa. These Mediterranean varietals, the distinctive Paarl terroir and creative winemaking techniques come together under the visionary hand of Tim Rudd and talented young winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer. Born on the Cape Flats, Kiara graduated from Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Viticulture and Oenology and was selected for the prestigious CWG Protégé Programme. Consultant winemaker Duncan Savage recognised Kiara’s potential and appointed her as his assistant. Together, they created the maiden vintage of the Brookdale Chenin Blanc in 2017 which received global acclaim. Kiara officially took over the reins in 2019.