Elim Wine Growers

Elim Wine Growers Define Real Wine for Real People

The meaning of the word Elim, ‘place of God’ could not be more apt for this picturesque, historic town, where the vast skies and swirling blue oceans lapping at the shores of this coastal paradise define its special allure.

Spectacular wines are the order of the day for four wine producing partners in the Elim ward; The Berrio, Black Oystercatcher, Zoetendal and First Sighting, who have joined forces to create the Elim Winegrowers.

Their slogan, ‘Real wine, Real people’, captures the essence of this small hamlet, where there is no better place to experience flavoursome wines, delectable cuisine and genuine hospitality.

Steeped in History

Situated 20 kilometers from Agulhas - the southern most tip of Africa and where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Elim was established in 1824 by Moravian missionaries. Originally the Vogelstryskraal farm, it was taken over by the hard working missionaries who subscribed strongly to the principals of sobriety and Christian living. Despite this however, sacramental wine was required for church services, and the first vineyard planting in this region subsequently occurred over 100 years ago. Viticulture in this area ceased until it was resumed in 1997.

The Elim ward which is hugged by two oceans, falls within the Agulhas district along the Cape South Coast - an interesting geographical location that has resulted in the Elim ward becoming one of the most closely watched wine producing regions in the world.

"Hottest" Cool Region

The unique terroir of Elim is the main factor stirring excitement in the wine community the world over, as a number of interesting climatic factors converge on these vineyards to develop explosive flavours never before tasted on the palates of even the most seasoned connoisseur. The cool south west and south easterly winds that blow daily over Elim, softly caress the grapes grown there, allowing them to ripen gradually and therefore making the region an ideal Sauvignon Blanc production area.

The strong winds also restrict skyward growth, encouraging the vine to focus energy on the production of more concentrated fruit. In winter, these winds result in a high chill factor that dries out excess moisture and induces a good level of dormancy unusual in a coastal vineyard.

Exceptional Wines

The most southern tip of Africa where Elim is located, is situated on a unique coastal shelf. Formed 900 million years ago, is believed that it was originally part of Antarctica. This factor has resulted in the formation of soil of a highly workable and practical stressability, which being easier to control, yields smaller berries. Furthermore, the maritime climate of the peninsula provides cool laterite, sandstone and broken shale soils in conjunction with mild temperatures and a high light intensity during the ripening stages. These factors serve to engrave the grapes with intense berry flavours, thereby producing exceptional wines of unsurpassable distinction.

The many fresh water springs in the area has also led to speculation of a huge underground lake residing beneath this coastal shelf. The resulting abundant water supply has led to the need for irrigation only during the first phases of planting, and hardly any after the settling process has occurred.

The challenges resulting from the unique interaction between the different elements of the Elim climate has necessitated an unusual approach to traditional viticulture, however, all these factors essentially enhance the uniqueness of the wines produced there. Other places may be as cool, but do not have the spectacularly calculated combination of Elim’s wind or soil.

Caring about Conservation

In order to preserve the exceptional bio-diversity of the area, the Elim Winegrowers, along with other farmers in the area, have incorporated their farms into the Nuwejaars Wetland Special Management Area Initiative, established to develop a sustainable ecology in harmony with farming in the Nuwejaars Wetland Ecosystem. In accordance with international standards, this project aims to preserve the unique fauna and flora of the Agulhas coastal plains, some of which are listed on the Red Data endangered list. A largely sustainable ecology is created, ensuring the protection and enhancement of the heritage and culture of the sub-region, generating benefits for all stakeholders, helping to meet social and environmental requirements, and encouraging community lifestyles compatible with environmental sustainability. Spanning 21 468 hectares, this project puts the Elim Winegrowers at the forefront of environmentally sustainable viticulture practices.

Passionate Pioneers

The four farms constituting the Elim Winegrowers each contribute an individual flavour to the project, adding elements to create a diverse bouquet of spectacular wines and wholesome values.

The Berrio

The Berrio wines are the fulfillment of a dream of lifetime friends, Francis Pratt and Bruce Jack to produce wines that capture the very essence of the special place in which the grapes are grown.

Named after the first ship to ever sail around the southern most tip of Africa, their wines have received international acclaim, with particular emphasis on their elegant and complex Sauvignon Blanc.

Black Oystercatcher

Black Oystercatcher wines is spearheaded by Dirk Human. Named after the small, endangered ocean bird, the Black Oystercatcher, which thrives along the coastline around the cool tip of Africa, so do Black Oystercatcher wines grow and mature at the lap of the perpetual ocean breeze.

Lands End

Lands End vineyards was bought by Hidden Valley Wines in May 2006 and is situated approximately 10 km north of Cape Agulhas, the very southern tip of the African continent.

The Deep South of any continent suffers the effects of extreme climatic conditions, that often combine to produce raw elements of rare beauty and quality. Such is the case at the Elim Vineyards. Severe growing conditions, with rocky soil combine to produce wines of intense flavour, depth and rare quality.
   

Strandveld Vineyards

The final partner of the Elim Winegrowers is Strandveld Vineyards, home of First Sighting and Strandveld wines. The DISCOVERY OF THE NEW WORLD continues...In 1488 Bartholomeu Dias had a "First Sighting" of the Southern tip of Africa...514 years later the Strandveld Vineyards were planted on a remote, windswept piece of land between Elim and Cape Agulhas. Our vineyards content with gale-force winds fresh off the Cold Atlantic Ocean. THE RESULT : Low yields of intensely flavoured small grapes. The wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz are typical cool climate with strong fruit flavours and intense minerality.

Zoetendal

Zoetendal, run by Johan de Kock, produces elegant wines that capture the essence of the Cape with their enthrallingly original fynbos flavours. Situated on the banks of the Nuwejaars River, this relatively young brand was established in 2004 and has since been captivating palates worldwide.

The Elim Winegrowers are inspired by an intense passion for the wines produced by their unique land. Infused with the warmth and hospitality of the winemakers and their families, this exciting and dynamic wine ward is where their slogan ‘Real wines, Real people’ rings true in daily life for the entire Elim community.

Click here for a Map of Elim Wine Ward

Quoin Rock

Also in close vicinity, part of the Agulhas Wine District is Quoin Rock. The name "Quoin Rock" is derived from Quoin Rock just off Quoin Point, which is about 30 km SW of Quoin Rock Vineyards. Quoin Point is the outer eastern point of the Danger Point Peninsula area and the second most southern tip of Africa.

The Quoin Rock Vineyards, since 1998, have been established on the Southern mid-slopes of the Bredasdorp Mountains.