Old Road Wine Co
Old Road Wine Co pays homage, both in name and spirit, to the mysterious nuances found only in grapes harvested from old vines. These time-tested, storied vines are the hallmark of the Franschhoek Valley, where granite, sandstone, and alluvial soils—paired with a warm, continental climate—have inspired winemakers since the arrival of the French Huguenots in the late 1600s.
The traditions and passions established by those early pioneers continue today. Aged vines are still coveted and carefully tended, their harvests transformed by Old Road Wine Co. into wines bursting with character and complexity. Reverence for the Franschhoek Valley and its old vines is at the core of Old Road’s winemaking philosophy and style. Entertaining wine names and stories—captured on the back labels—embody each season and connect each vintage to the past through threads of local legend, lore, myth, and folktale. Wines like The Spotted Hound Mourvèdre blend, The Smous Sauvignon Blanc, and The Anvil Shiraz are as delightful and enchanting as the stories they recount—and as memorable as the images they invoke.
Franschhoek Cellar offers a modern, approachable expression of one of South Africa’s most storied wine regions. Rooted in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, this winery combines regional heritage with a fresh, fruit-driven winemaking style that’s easy to love and even easier to share.
From crisp whites to smooth reds, Franschhoek Cellar wines showcase the versatility of the valley’s soils and climate—without losing sight of its centuries-old traditions. Each label nods to the town’s charming history, with names inspired by old railway platforms, local legends, and colonial architecture. But don’t mistake the branding for gimmick: inside every bottle is a well-crafted, honest wine that reflects a thoughtful balance between accessibility and quality.
Wines like The Churchyard Cabernet Sauvignon, The Old Museum Merlot, and The Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc are perfect introductions to the region—and a testament to why Franschhoek continues to capture the attention of wine lovers around the world.
Head Winemaker, Old Road Wine Co. & Franschhoek Cellar
As head winemaker for both Old Road Wine Co. and Franschhoek Cellar, Ryan Puttick brings a focused, hands-on approach to crafting wines that reflect the depth and personality of the Franschhoek Valley. With a background in cellar management and vintage work across South Africa and California, Ryan blends technical precision with a deep respect for regional identity.
What sets his style apart is his intuitive understanding of old vines and the subtle differences that define vineyard blocks across the valley. He works closely with a network of growers—many farming the same land for generations—to source fruit from mature vines that yield wines of real character and complexity. Whether it’s a structured Mourvèdre blend or a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, Ryan’s goal is the same: to let the vineyard speak, and to tell a story worth sharing in every glass.
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