Arid, The King

History

: Arid Wines (Arid & Co.) is a South African wine producer based in Stellenbosch, led by owner and winemaker Michael van Niekerk. Michael grew up on the remote Northern Cape farm “Gemsbokkolk,” where his deep connection to nature first developed. After studying viticulture and winemaking in Stellenbosch, he gained international experience through harvest internships in Australia, as well as in the United States and Italy, before returning to South Africa to continue his winemaking career.

Arid sources grapes from multiple regions including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Robertson, building its blends and wine styles through the diversity of these terroirs. The winery places particular emphasis on phenolic ripeness and precise fermentation temperature control during harvest and vinification. Both open and closed fermenters are used depending on the batch, while extended maceration periods of up to 21 days are employed to enhance complexity and structure. The wines are then matured in French oak barrels for 9 to 16 months in pursuit of purity and balance.

Michael is also recognized for his work with indigenous South African wood tannins, contributing to the production of No Sulphur Added wines. Arid’s wines are presented as vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and naturally settled, with an unfiltered style that reflects minimal intervention. The brand’s visual identity further reflects its philosophy, as the animal images featured on the labels are authentic photographs captured in the South African wilderness, with official references noting years such as 2014, 2018, and 2019 as the original shooting dates. Arid also states its support for Ingwe Leopard Research, reinforcing the winery’s connection to wildlife conservation and the natural environment.

About Wine

: This wine embraces the philosophy of “simplicity and minimalism,” focusing on capturing the pure essence of the grapes in their most natural form. Artificial intervention is kept to an absolute minimum throughout the winemaking process, and no filtration or stabilization is carried out prior to bottling.

The label features the image of a lion — the “king of animals” — photographed in a wildlife reserve, symbolically representing the wine’s powerful and robust character. Fermentation takes place at 24°C, with 90% of the wine fermented in stainless steel tanks and the remaining 10% in oak barrels. The wine is then aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, adding depth and structure.

Tasting Note

• Cabernet Sauvignon 92%, Merlot 8%

• The wine displays a deep violet-red color, revealing aromas of ripe blackcurrant layered with hints of forest notes and licorice, creating a subtle yet sweet complexity. On the palate, it presents an elegant medium- to full-bodied style, where vibrant black fruit flavors burst forth beautifully. Smooth yet firm tannins provide balance and structure, leading to a refined and lingering finish.