Iona Vineyards
Iona Vineyards winegrowers philosophy is to let each season reflect in the wine that they produce. A vineyard that believes in getting the most out of the environment and letting the season balance their vintages to perfection.
History of Iona Vineyards
Iona Vineyards were bought in 1997 by Andrew Gunn, a former medical suture company man. He bought the then run down apple farm and set about doing his research on the seasonal temperatures of the area. Located 450 m above sea level and surrounded by the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Andrew found it to be the coolest vineyard in South Africa
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This bode well for an excellent grape harvest as they are allowed a slower ripening and provide a more balanced wine product. Naming the farm after Iona, a Scottish island, Andrew has placed a Viking ship as the vineyards emblem in recognition of his ancestral roots.
The first vines were planted in 1998 and they kicked off their wine production with the harvest of 2001.With their 40 hectares of vineyards Iona Vineyards might yet be young but they have become world renown for the exceptionally well balanced and flavour filled Sauvignon Blanc.
They have taken a very environmentally aware approach to their winegrowing, with the allowance of native fynbos and other indigenous plant life to grow along side heir vines. Iona Vineyards has also taken to producing their compost.
Vintages from Iona Vineyards
- Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Elgin, crisp with a citrus flavour and lanolin edge
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Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Elgin, ripe and full with fruit flavours yet still retaining its crisp mineral taste
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Iona Chardonnay 2009 Elgin, peach and pear notes with roast nuttiness
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Iona Syrah 2007 Elgin, rich and spicy with dense flavours of black berry and dark fruit
For wines created with passion and perfected by optimal seasonal conditions, there is no better than those from Iona Vineyards.
