Brian and Marion Smith are biodynamic pioneers in the Elgin Valley, with their Elgin Ridge wine estate. I visited them for a look around the vineyards with vineyard manager Taurai…
In Elgin: Corder Wines
I met Ian Corder (above) at Almenkerk, where his wines are made. [As an aside, he kindly offered to take me up in his autogyro to see the Elgin Valley…
Elgin wine region: Almenkerk
Almenkerk began when Joep van Almenkerk moved out to South Africa from Belgium in 2002 and bought a 32 hectare apple farm. He wanted to turn it into a wine…
Elgin wine region: visiting Iona, including a Chardonnay vertical
Iona is one of the leading wineries in Elgin. Currently, there are 60 hectares under vine here on two sites, and 400 tons pass through the winery, which on my…
Video: Elgin from the air
Here’s a short film and some pictures from my gyrocopter flight over Elgin with Ian Corder. It was an amazing experience. But gyrocopters are tiny and it was a little…
In the Elgin Valley, South Africa
I’m in South Africa’s Elgin Valley. The reason for my visit is this weekend’s Chardonnay Colloquium, but I’m spending five days here, aiming to get under the skin of the…
Iona Chardonnay 2013, a star from Elgin
My South African wine journalist friends have been raving about Elgin Chardonnay for ages. Do you know what? They may just be right. I’ve some good ones of late, including…
Two lovely whites from M&S: Ferricrete Sauvignon and Earth’s End Riesling
Two lovely white wines, cool climate, new world. Paul Cluver Ferricrete Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Elgin, South Africa 13.5% alcohol. Very bright and focused with subtle green herbs, lemons and grapefruit…
Kershaw, a brilliant new South African Chardonnay
It has been a year of debuts in South Africa. First, the remarkable wines from Duncan Savage, and now this – Richard Kershaw MWs first solo venture, a Chardonnay from…