Helmut’s journey began in January 1994 when he won a golf tournament that brought him to South Africa. Upon arriving in Johannesburg, he embarked on a trip to Sun City, a golfer’s paradise.

During a meal at an Italian restaurant, Helmut’s order for Grappa surprised him when he learned that there were no locally-produced products available.

This absence was not limited to that particular restaurant; the manager explained that it extended throughout the entire country.

To his astonishment, his travels in Cape Town on the Blue Train revealed that Eaux de Vie was also not available.

Being an enthusiast of fine Grappa and fruit spirits, Helmut found this lack of availability perplexing, especially considering the abundance of excellent fruits and grapes in the country.

A law from apartheid times, prohibited the production of such spirits, however, the country had now become a democracy, and so the monopoly was dissolved. Helmut seized the moment of change and applied for the first craft distilling license in April 1994.

Somewhat to his surprise, it wasn’t long until he got his approval and in a matter of 6 months, he’d sold everything he owned in Germany and arrived in the Cape with his son, Christian, in November 1994.

His vision was clear: to become a leader in the production of world-class Grappa & Eaux de Vie.

Wilderer is not only South Africa’s first craft distillery, but also the most awarded, with over 100 international medals and awards, including many Gold and Double Gold Medals.

In January 2000, the Wilderer family relocated their distillery to Wilderer Estate and simultaneously opened their first restaurant in South Africa, Ristorante Pappa Grappa.

With a rustic yet charming ambiance, Ristorante Pappa Grappa quickly became a beloved establishment for both locals and tourists alike. Using only the finest seasonal ingredients, they created a menu that showcased the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Germany and Italy.

On July 30, 2012, the Wilderer family welcomed the next generation with the birth of Alexander, Christian’s son. This marked a special milestone for Helmut, known as ‘Pappa Grappa’, as he became ‘Opa Grappa’ when baby Grappa arrived.

Since January 2013, Wilderer has had a second location, on the celebrated Spice Route Destination Farm in Suider-Paarl. Wilderer here offers another tasting room and a stunning restaurant called La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro. Enjoy some of the Winelands’ most spectacular views on to the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch mountains, all the way to Cape Town’s majestic Table Mountain.

Relax outside for lunch or a sundowner, or sidle up to the fireplaces inside the cosy Cape Dutch heritage buildings and enjoy superb cuisine, while watching the production process of Wilderer’s fine spirits.

Helmut Wilderer sadly passed away in December 2016. His son Christian and long-standing team continue to build on Helmut’s legacy and in his spirit continue, to craft the true “Spirit of the Cape”.

Wilderer Distilleries stands as a testament to Helmut’s pioneering spirit. Its Grappa, Eaux de Vie, Liqueurs, Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Moonshine have garnered over 100 international medals and awards. These accolades solidify the distillery’s reputation as a global leader in the craft spirits industry.

Wilderer restaurants continue to thrive, driven by an unwavering passion for authenticity. Every Wilderer establishment is a testament to its heritage, where cherished memories are forged through German-Italian cuisine and the warmth of timeless hospitality.