• home
• latest wines
• wines
• vintage chart
• producers
• blog
• links
• contact
• about us

log in / register »

Ian and Anette Corder bought their beautiful apple farm in 2003 and soon planted Sauvignon, Viognier and Shiraz, all of which have responded well to the various different micro-climates. The farm is situated on the Elgin Valley plateau which is a good 300 metres above sea level, and only a stone’s throw away from the sea, with a cool climate-which is ideal for the slow ripening of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The Viognier and Shiraz are both showing the structure and depth which can be found in these grape varieties in the Northern Rhone. The soils, being weathered Bokkeveld Shale or Glenrosa, buffer the vines against heat and drought stress and keep the ground loose for healthy root growth. So it was, in 2004, that the transformation began into what it is today. A spectacular, new world wine farm which utilizes the most modern viticulture practices and wine making techniques to make some of the Elgin Valley's finest wines.

The Elgin Valley Vineyards are positioned on rolling hills on the cooler South Eastern slopes so that they engage all the elements in perfect balance. In the mornings, the valley is often filled with a white, cooling mist that so typifies the gentle climate and contributes to grapes for superlative wines. Each vine is meticulously pruned by trained hands to guarantee a healthy bud burst in the spring. From that time, they are tended on a daily basis to encourage nature's gift of nutrition, sunshine and cooling breezes. Building up to the long awaited harvest, the canopies are meticulously sculptured to create the perfect ripening environment. And because it is cooler, the grapes enjoy a longer time on the vine which culminates in optimum ripeness and flavour.

Click a thumbnail to show a larger picture