Strandveld The Navigator Red Blend 2020

Strandveld Vineyards is Africa’s southernmost winery and vineyard situated just 9km from the sea at Cape Agulhas in the fledgling Elim wine ward. This wind-swept winery derives its name from the belt of land which spans the tempestuous tip of Africa’s southernmost coastline. At almost thirty-five degrees below the equator, this region is characterised by severe winds, billowing mist and below average temperatures. A unique combination of maritime climate, alternating sites and diverse soil types work together to create the terroir which distinguishes the wines of Strandveld Vineyards.

It was in 1488 that Bartholomeu Diaz and his team of Portuguese sailors first laid eyes on this corner of the continent. Inspired by these pioneering early explorers, it was in 2001 that a group of enthusiastic wine lovers turned to the original navigation maps to seek out potential new vineyard sites. 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 they have eighty 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 Mourvedre for blending. All the wine is produced in the modern cellar on the farm.