South Africa
Just 9 km from the sea, between Elim and Cape Agulhas, lies the Strandveld Vineyards, the most southern winery in the whole content of Africa. It was in 2001 that a group of passionate wine lovers found this particular land to be of interest. As a former rundown sheep- and wheat-farm, of about 80 ha, the group of wine enthusiasts saw the potential and launched Strandveld Vineyards.
It was in 1488 that Bartholomeu Diaz and his team of Portuguese sailors first laid eyes on this corner of the continent. Centuries later similarly intrepid explorers, in their infinite wisdom, realised the potential such a richness of environment could produce.
Inspired by these individuals, it was in 2001 that a group of enthusiastic wine lovers turned to the original navigation maps to seek out potential new vineyard sites equally undeterred by the fierce storms and blustering gales that now give rise to the characteristic grapes and consequentially distinctive Strandveld Vineyards wines.
In July 2001 they found it — a somewhat rundown sheep and wheat farm of about 800 ha a few kilometres from the southernmost tip of Africa. The adventure of planting and nurturing their own vineyards finally began.
Strandveld Vineyards is Africa’s southernmost winery and vineyard situated near the tempestuous southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas in the fledgling Elim wine ward. This area is characterised by constant cooling Atlantic winds which together with rocky mineral soils shape the distinctive cool climate wines of Strandveld Vineyards.
The discovery and exploration of this extreme growing environment and the pioneering adventure it has been seeing Strandveld Vineyards develop over the past 20 years is synonymous with the spirit of adventure and pioneering voyages of early Portuguese sailors who, overcoming great adversity, first rounded the Southern tip of Africa seeking a sea route to the East over 500 years ago.
While some may lament the fierce winds, rolling sea mists and cool temperatures, these are the foundation for growing the grapes that make the distinctive terroir driven Strandveld wines. The vines used for these wines contend with the same tempestuous elements as did the early Portuguese sailors.
Today we have 80 hectares of vineyard which due to the terroir is focused on Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Pinot noir with smaller plantings of Semillon, Viognier, Grenache and Mourvèdre for blending. All the wine is produced in the modern cellar on the farm.
Conrad Vlok, winemaker since 2004, and first winemaker at Strandveld is a true man of the soil whose warm temperament and empathetic relationship with the environment is reflected in the nature of his wines.
The terroir at Strandveld is truly unique and dramatic which results in the special characteristics that embrace the wines from the Strandveld Vineyards. The winds from the Atlantic ocean contribute to cooling down the area which helps in disease prevention and in providing humidity. This leads to extended ripening possibilities and fresh, hydrated, small, and intensely flavoured grapes. The soil is generally poor in nutrients and rich in minerals which also plays an important role in the unique distinction of the wines As a specialist in Sauvignon blanc and Semillon with further focus on Shiraz, Grenache and Pinot noir, Conrad’s philosophy is” in order to make great wine, you need to start with equally great grapes When he is not working in the vineyards or slaving away in the cellar blending art and science, you can be sure to find him trekking in the veld or braving the wild Atlantic off Cape Agulhas in his sea kayak.
