In 1928, South Africa took note when a young, unknown rugby player, Albertus Viljoen van der Merwe – “Alvi” to his friends – made history by scoring the first try in history against the All Blacks on African soil. Today, we make history with award-winning wines recognised by South Africa and the world. A few years before hanging up his rugby boots, Oupa Alvi acquired a piece of fertile farmland nestled on the banks of the Breede River in the Western Cape’s majestic Breede River Valley. In 1930, to allow locals easier access to the land, a low-water bridge was built across the river running through the property. The locals christened the bridge “Alvi’s Drift” after “Oupa” (Grandad) Alvi as he was instrumental in building it.

This is the name by which it is still known today.

OUR FAMILY LEGACY
Today Oupa Alvi’s grandson, Alvi van der Merwe, has turned both the farm and the family legacy for creating exceptional wine, into a vision that has surpassed all expectations when it comes to connecting people and enriching their enjoyment of what really matters in life.

Widely known for his perfectionism, dedication and passion for his craft, Alvi’s Drift winemaker Alvi van der Merwe initially studied medicine, pursuing a career as general practitioner. While practicing medicine in Canada, the UK and later in South Africa, Alvi’s dream of creating world-class wines from the family vineyards persisted.

Alvis Drift Winery
“When creating our wines here at Alvi’s Drift, we’re not trying to compete with anyone. We simply try to do what’s right for us, and we try to do it to the very best of our ability.”

In 2003, while still in private practice, Alvi returned to his childhood home to assist his father, Bertie, with the running of the family’s orchards, vineyards, and winery.

While Oom (Uncle) Bertie, as he was affectionately known by all, remained focused on bulk wine production, Alvi, with his father’s blessing, began exploring his passion for winemaking.

OUR NAME
A Chenin Blanc and a Cape Fusion red wine blend soon followed, and when the time came to choose a name for his wine-making enterprise, Alvi decided to name his wines for the low-water bridge built by his grandfather back in 1930.