Rooted in Legacy, Grown with Purpose: The Story of Alvi’s Drift

03 jul Rooted in Legacy, Grown with Purpose: The Story of Alvi’s Drift

From medicine to winemaking, Dr. Alvi van der Merwe blends heritage, heart and innovation to craft one of South Africa’s most inspiring wine stories.

Words: Albert van Beeck Calkoen
Image credits: Alvi’s Drift

A Doctor Turned Vintner: Returning to the Farm

Before becoming one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers, Dr. Alvi van der Merwe was saving lives. A qualified medical doctor who practiced for over a decade in the UK and Canada, Alvi eventually traded hospital walls for vineyard rows — a homecoming he always knew was inevitable. “I always knew I’d return to the farm,” he says. “It’s where my heart belonged.” This deep connection to the land, paired with a sharp intellect and relentless work ethic, laid the foundation for Alvi’s Drift — a family-run estate that today exports wines to over 40 countries and continues to challenge assumptions about South African wine.

Where Heritage Meets Ambition

The Alvi’s Drift story begins with the land itself. Located in the Breede River Valley, the family farm has been passed down through generations, imbued with a sense of duty, care, and quiet resilience. Yet from the start, Alvi saw beyond its borders. “I fell in love with the people in the wine industry,” he says. “They were warm, generous, and always willing to share their knowledge.” That human connection became a cornerstone of the brand — along with a dream: to create high-quality wines that honored the farm’s heritage, while reaching a global audience.

The Balance of Old and New

Only 8–12% of wine cellars in South Africa are truly profitable. For Alvi’s Drift, survival and success require a delicate balance: honoring tradition while embracing innovation. “We work hard to produce the best possible wines at cost-effective prices,” says Alvi. “That means combining time-honored techniques with modern technology.” Whether selecting wild yeast cultures for fermentation or investing in underground irrigation to conserve water, the estate’s philosophy is always forward-thinking, rooted in purpose rather than nostalgia.

Sustainability as a Way of Life

Sustainability at Alvi’s Drift isn’t a checkbox — it’s a mindset. With just 450–500mm of rainfall annually, the estate has implemented an underground irrigation system to reduce evaporation and maximize water efficiency. A mixed farming model — including cattle for natural manure — reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers and enhances biodiversity. But sustainability also means investing in people. Over 100 employees and their families live on the estate, with access to proper housing, a school, a crèche, and a community center. Alvi’s Drift proudly holds WIETA Level A certification — South Africa’s highest standard for ethical trade. “True sustainability means caring for our land, our wines, and our people,” Alvi emphasizes.

Empowerment Through Action

In a country still healing from a legacy of inequality, Alvi’s Drift is building a different kind of future. Workers have formed their own sports teams and community committees. People of colour have been promoted into leadership roles. Education and training are prioritized. One of the estate’s proudest initiatives is its support of the Indaba Institute — a Montessori-based early childhood education and teacher training center. A portion of proceeds from the Albertus Viljoen Icon Range goes directly to the cause, turning every bottle into an act of impact.

The Philosophy Behind the Wine

What sets Alvi’s Drift wines apart is their pure, fruit-driven style — expressive, approachable, and unmistakably South African. For Alvi, the key lies in achieving phenolic ripeness and letting nature lead the process. “Chenin Blanc is my favourite variety,” he admits. “Its aromas are intense, its potential is endless, and it perfectly expresses our terroir.” Even as one of the country’s largest family-owned producers, quality is never sacrificed for scale. Each vineyard block is vinified separately. Alvi personally selects yeast cultures and tastes continuously throughout fermentation.

Innovation, Brick by Brick

Recent investments have transformed the estate’s winemaking capabilities. Cement tanks allow for gentle micro-oxidation. 7,000-litre oak foudres enhance the texture of premium whites. New clones and rootstocks improve vine health and disease resistance. “This is about long-term thinking,” says Alvi. “We’re building something that can last.”

Changing the Narrative Around South African Wine

Despite a global reputation for affordability, South Africa’s wine identity is rapidly evolving — and Alvi’s Drift is helping lead the charge. The estate’s Nectarinia 2017 natural dessert wine won a Decanter Gold award with a score of 95/100. “Too much of our wine is still exported as bulk or bag-in-box,” Alvi says. “We want to show the world that South Africa is also a source of world-class wines with depth, character, and excellence.”

Global Reach, Local Roots

Alvi’s Drift may export to over 40 countries, but its foundation remains firmly South African — both geographically and spiritually. “Our strongest market is still here at home,” Alvi says. “But we’ve built great partnerships abroad, especially with family-run importers like De Monnik Dranken in the Netherlands.” As the brand expands into the UK and Italy, the goal remains the same: build trust, stay authentic, and let the wine speak for itself.

What Legacy Means

Ask Alvi about legacy, and he won’t mention awards or bottle counts. Instead, he speaks of stewardship, opportunity, and dignity. “As a winemaker, legacy is crafting wines that tell the truth about our land. As a business owner, it’s about building a place where families can thrive for generations.” And if you want to understand what Alvi’s Drift is all about? Try the Albertus Viljoen Chenin Blanc. “It’s elegant, pure, and true to who we are.”