The Terroir

When Africa, the oldest of all the continents, was formed, enormous pressure caused the southern tip to wrap, creating majestic mountain ranges that follow the coast, creating in the process a multitude of slopes and valleys.

Today, these undulating hills and mountain slopes are ideal for the cultivation of grapes, and for producing wines of exceptional quality. The reason is simple: the best grapes are grown on slopes. Not only do they offer a remarkable diversity of meso-climates, but also a great diversity of soil types. But there is another reason for the Cape’s enviable terroir.

When Sir Francis Drake rounded the Cape, he called it the fairest Cape in all the circumference of the world. But for centuries the Cape has also been known as “The Cape of Storms”. In the winter months, storms buffet the coast, and during the ripening season, a cold south-westerly wind springs up from the ocean to inhibit the ripening of the grapes.

The wind tempers the effects of the summer sun and ensures an extended ripening season. This gradual ripening of grapes, in turn, allows for optimum development of the sought-after flavour components. With enough sun to develop summer sugars, the result is exceptional wines with massive flavour created by wind, rain, and limped summer shies.


Fleur du Cap
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