Collection: Scions of Sinai
History Scions of Sinai, a micro-winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa, was founded in 2016 by Bernhard Bredell, a seventh-generation winemaker from the Helderberg region. The name honors the Bredell family's 120-year legacy in the Lower Helderberg, particularly the historic Sinai Hill farm, where Bernhard's grandfather planted bush vines in 1946. Initially assisting at his family's Feniks winery, Bernhard launched Scions of Sinai to focus on old-vine, single-site expressions from granite soils. Production remains tiny (around 10,000 bottles annually), with Bernhard handling all aspects from vineyard to bottle, emphasizing heritage and minimalism.
Viticulture Philosophy Scions of Sinai works exclusively with old, dry-farmed bush vines (40-70 years) on decomposed granite soils in the Lower Helderberg, benefiting from Stellenbosch's maritime influence and cooling Atlantic breezes. The philosophy centers on preserving genetic diversity through massal selection and organic practices (in conversion), with no irrigation, chemical fertilizers, or herbicides. Low yields (2-4 tons/ha) and manual labor ensure concentrated, balanced fruit, prioritizing Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc to capture the site's unique minerality and freshness.
Winemaking Techniques Bernhard Bredell employs a low-intervention, hands-off approach in a small Stellenbosch facility. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented whole-cluster with indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters or old foudres, with gentle foot-treading and minimal punch-downs. Aging occurs in neutral French oak or concrete for 10-12 months, avoiding new oak, fining, or filtration to preserve purity. Sulfur is added sparingly at bottling. This method yields transparent, elegant wines that reflect vintage and terroir, with an emphasis on texture and drinkability.
Critics and Journalist Praises Scions of Sinai has rapidly gained cult status for its old-vine artistry. Tim Atkin MW awarded the 2021 Feniks Pinotage 96 points, praising its "red berry, spice, and granite minerality" with "silky finesse." The 2022 Heldervallei Chenin Blanc earned 95 points for its "pear, quince, and saline" depth. Platter's Guide lauded the Nomadis Cinsault as "ethereal and precise," scoring 5 stars. Critics, including Christian Eedes, commend Bernhard's "terroir transparency" and "Rhône-meets-Burgundy" style, positioning Scions as a leader in South Africa's new-wave movement.
