The soils of the Breede River Valley near Rawsonville have been home to the Van der Merwe Family since 1844. Merwida Winery came into being in 1963 and is under the stewardship of the family's seventh generation. Its vineyards, comprising 32 different cultivars (62% white and 38% red), stretch over 800ha and make the winery one of the largest private cellars in the country. It produces white and red wines, including a single variety Barbera and Cuveé Brut sparkling wine.