
On the Paarl side of the Simonsberg Mountain lie the vineyards, which cover about 260 hectares. The farm has a moderate climate that is perfect for growing grapes, with temperatures ranging from 7°C in winter to 37°C in summer with an average winter rainfall of 900mm. The grapes’ ability to retain flavour is considerably helped by the summer’s cool Atlantic breeze.
The majority of the vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains and its adjacent hills. While Chardonnay is planted in lower-lying sites because it prefers the relative warmth for fuller ripening and greater flavours, Sauvignon Blanc is grown on the highest slopes to take advantage of the cooler breezes and preserve all the delicate flavours. Chenin Blanc is also grown at lower elevations as bush vines that receive minimal irrigation in order to promote flavour concentration and reduced yields. To accommodate the varieties and terrain, three different trellising systems are used overall.
Vine varieties of red grapes include Grenache Noir, Pinotage, and Cinsault. Malbec, Merlot, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon (which is planted on the highest mountain slopes) are further red wines in the selection . Shiraz is planted on a specific area of stony soil to make it struggle because it is a vine that grows quickly and whose development needs to be controlled to preserve character.
Additional varieties were planted, some of which are rather uncommon in South Africa, to be utilised in blends or as individual bottlings when the quality warrants it.
