Handford Wines

The Vergelegen winery is unlike any previously designed in South Africa. The stunning design of the winery mirrors the octagonal walled garden laid out by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. Situated high up on a hill, the octagonal structure commands sweeping views of the property, the town of Somerset West, and the breathtaking expanse of False Bay. Only a single level is visible above ground. Three working levels lie buried in a tower configuration which allows for gravity flow and gentle handling of the wine. Important principles were incorporated into the design of the new winery : the fact that gentlest handling produces the most elegant wines, particularly while skins are still in contact with the juice, attempt, where possible, to eliminate machines such as augers, pumps and rototanks, the design of a compact structure that allows maximum visual control, both barrel and bottle storage areas should be buried to maximise the soil's insulation capacity, a gravity flow system must be utilised using the process of harvest above fermentation above press above barrels, There are four levels : harvest plaza and visitor level red wine fermentation platform main tank floor, including bottling room barrel cellar The excavation is 9.5 m deep.

The Wine

Schaapenberg Sauvignon Blanc as its known, after the single vineyard its made from, has now been registered as a trademark. Such is the vineyards greatness. Andre Van Rensberg has crafted a powerful Sauvignon that must rank among the top whites ever produced in South Africa. Characterised by its flinty-fruity raciness and varietal purity, this wine is tightly coiled and will need some time to show at its best. Amazing concentration of flavour that’s gutsy but still fine and elegant. A true masterpiece in the mold of the old world masters.

Single Bottle: £13.99

In a case of 12: £13.29