Category Archives: At Elgin Ridge

Elgin Ridge and Platter’s Wine Guide

December 11, 2012 Marion Leave a comment

The 2013 Platter’s Guide recently made its debut on the market, just in time for Christmas, and we must say that we are very pleased. The new edition brings an added bout of excitement for us, in addition to our inclusion in the guide; Elgin Ridge was also featured in the Platter’s 2013 photo gallery.

The photo gallery forms part of a new section of the Platter’s Guide that features the tales of some of South Africa’s top wineries. The stories highlight the passions and preoccupations, the dreams, challenges and successes of these wineries. We are thrilled to have the story of how Elgin Ridge came to fruition included; another step in “living the dream”

We had a wonderful time with photographer, Teddy Sambu and Athol Moult. Teddy is the first chosen Imara Lightwarrior for the Imara Trust and under the mentorship of renowned photographer Athol Moult, will gain valuable experience. Teddy is from Khayelitsha and after the death of his mother, Teddy started taking photographs of children playing football on the N2 motorway, using whatever equipment he could get his hands on. With limited education, photography was his chosen means of expression. As a chosen Imara Lightwarrior, Teddy has the opportunity to progress to a first class professional photographer. Teddy can be contacted by Linkedin

Athol Moult is a prominent Cape Town artist and photographer and has regular solo exhibitions. His work is represented in public and private collections in South African and abroad. Athol can be contacted at his web site Athol Moult

Here are a few behind the scenes images from the day

For the full story find us on page 248 of the guide

Monty Waldin Biodynamic Guru

October 17, 2012 Marion Leave a comment

When biodynamic guru Monty Waldin came to Elgin Ridge in April this year, he suggested that we look into adding a new element to our biodynamic practices…in the form of a cow. Little did we realise some five months later that Elgin Ridge would become home to a small, yet very precious herd of Dexter cattle.

The end goal of Monty’s suggestion to get a cow, was the creation of a cow pat pit. In the pit the cow manure is mixed with biodynamic preparations and allowed to ferment. After some time this mixture, now abounding with natural enzymes and bacteria, is applied to the soil. This process greatly complements our existing organic practices by increasing microbial activity and the overall health of the soil.

After Monty’s visit and an extensive amount of research, I decided that Dexter was the breed for Elgin Ridge. Dexter are a naturally small breed of cows that are known for their docile nature and calm temperament. What was even more charming about these cows, and which appealed to me sentimentally – I’m Irish and my grandfather had a cattle farm in Ireland – is that they are an old Irish breed. The choice could not have been more fitting!

First to join the Elgin Ridge family Queen and Alice. Soon after was Ruby – a rare, red polled (hornless) dexter, who much to our delight gave birth to her calf, Amber, in early September. Last week we purchased Molly, a black Dexter, who is also nursing a calf and a bull names Monty

So, not only is our little herd thriving but also thanks to Ruby and Molly, who are providing our pat pit with the best possible manure considering they are nursing, so is our pat pit and soil and ultimately our preparations for our 2013 vintage.

Marion

At Elgin Ridge, Elgin Wine Route

Elegantly Elgin Wine Route launches

September 28, 2012 Marion Leave a comment

Wine estates of the Elgin Valley are fortifying their strengths as they prepare to launch an official wine route on the 6th – 7th October. The wine route aptly named, Elegantly Elgin, will provide the opportunity for visitors and wine lovers to regularly experience the superior and complex structured wines synonymous with this district.

With a wealth of medals and acclaimed awards from local and international wine fraternities behind them, the Elgin Valley wine producers have entered the final straight in forming an official Wine Route. The route is set to take flight through a concept called “Open Wine Weekends”, where once a month sixteen wine estates will open their cellar doors to wine lovers to fully experience all the Elgin wine has to offer. Cellars will be creating an experiential weekend around wine during these open wine weekends with a focus on specific varietals each month. The estates will run normal operations for the remaining part of the month.

Monthly Themed campaigns:

6 -7 October: Flagship Wines – Celebration of Cool Climate Wines
3 -4 November and 10 – 11 November: A Sauvignon Blanc Celebration
open for 2 weekends to coincide with Open Gardens
1 -2 December: A Chardonnay Celebration
5-6 January: Elegantly Elgin Whites (aromatic blends)

During Varietal themed months – i.e. In November the theme will be Sauvignon Blanc wines from the area, we will highlight the best cellar doors to visit for consumers who are specifically looking for superior Sauvignon Blanc wines in that month. All wineries will have their full range available for tastings, as the varietal themed month is an added benefit to our visitor experience.

The members range from our famous historic estates, frequently publicised, to a growing number of new estates, who together have all contributed towards strengthening Elgin’s offering and placed us firmly on the wine route map. The Sixteen Estates are in alphabetical order: Almenkerk ; Arumdale ; Elgin Ridge; Elgin Vintners; Hannay & Catherine Marshall Wines; Highlands Road Wines, Iona Vineyards; Lothian Wines; Mofam Wines ;Oak Valley Wines; Oude Molen Brandy Distillery; Paul Cluver Wines; Shannon Vineyards; Spioenkop Wine; South Hill Wines; Winters Drift

The Elgin Wine Weekend is the perfect way to experience wines of the valley and discover why this region is fast becoming a most celebrated wine-producing area of the Cape. Here, acclaimed vines benefit from diverse soils and cool maritime breezes which ensure perfect conditions for slow ripening. This allows the grapes to develop their intense flavours, great natural acidity, complexity and strong core of elegance. The wines are predominantly fruity and Sauvignon Blanc, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz fare particularly well in this region.

We invite you to join us and enjoy the hospitality as the estates display the fruits of their labour. It is a celebration of the distinctive flavours from the district. Come and enjoy the classic expressions of Elgin Wine.

For more detailed information on the open wine weekends please log onto www.elginwine.co.za
Come and meet the people behind the wines of Elgin and drink in our passion.

Establishing the ELEGANTLY ELGIN WINE ROUTE as a designation for wine lovers.

Founding Members, in alphabetical order, Almenkerk ; Arumdale ; Elgin Ridge ;Elgin Vintners; Hannay & Catherine Marshall Wines; Highlands Road Wines, Iona Vineyards; Lothian Wines; Mofam Wines ;Oak Valley Wines; Oude Molen Brandy Distillery; Paul Cluver Wines; Shannon Vineyards; Spioenkop Wine; South Hill Wines; Winters Drift

Event Details:
Event Name: Elegantly Elgin Wine Route Launch Weekend
Date: 06 – 07 October 2012
Varietal Focus for month of October: Flagship Wines a celebration of Cool Climate wines
Time: 10h00 – 17h00
Venue: 16 Wine estates located on the Elegantly Elgin Map.

Event Name: Elegantly Elgin Open Wine Weekend
Date: 03– 04 November and the 10- 11 November 2012
Varietal Focus for month of November: A Sauvignon Blanc Celebration
Time: 10h00 – 17h00
Venue: 16 Wine estates located on the Elegantly Elgin Map.

Event Name: Elegantly Elgin Open Wine Weekend
Date: 01 – 02 December 2012
Varietal Focus for month of December: Chardonnay Celebration
Time: 10h00 – 17h00
Venue: 16 Wine estates located on the Elegantly Elgin Map.

Event Name: Elegantly Elgin Wine Route Launch Weekend
Date: 05 – 06 January 2013
Varietal Focus for month of January: New Year celebration of Elegantly Elgin Whites (Aromatic blends)
Time: 10h00 – 17h00
Venue: 16 Wine estates located on the Elegantly Elgin Map.