Situated in the Cool Climate region of the Elgin Valley is a cheerful boutique winery called South Hill Vineyards. A South facing farm which is how it got its name, happens to have the coolest climate of all the wineries in Elgin and the producer of suburb high-quality boutique wine gems.
One hours drive from Cape Town is all it will take to set you on your adventure along a little dusty dirt road filled with scenic countryside, off the beaten track and up to the gates of South Hill Vineyards. The estate is surrounded by the Kogelberg mountains, apple orchards, fynbos and their pristine vineyards ~ a visual masterpiece adventure awaits.
I wasn't at all sure about what to expect before my visit, my curiosity was at an all-time high. I had previously tried their Chardonnay, which had been incredibly moreish, so if anything I was excited to sip more of that...and let us be honest, I could be anywhere, but if I was savouring that Chard all would be good with the world. But as fate would have it I was about to savour a lot more then just their Chardonnay; visually delightful surprises paired with tasty heartthrobs was in my immediate future.
Walking into their tasting room I was welcomed by a energetically vibrant, happy and colourful tasting lounge. The walls were hung with playful kaleidoscope pieces of art (by local artists) and bright painted wine barrels were tastefully placed all around. I was lucky enough that one of the barrel artists was busy enjoying herself at the estate that day, she proudly showed me her barrel piece.
After a little art viewing, I sat down with Sean the Winemaker at South Hill. Sean was an incredible host and I really enjoyed his company. I love it when you can feel the passion and vision of a winemaker through their stories and engaging conversation. Truly a really down to earth guy that makes some seriously kick ass wines.
My Top favourite wine find at South Hill was: The Kevin King Micah 2015
50% Syrah
25% Mourvėdre
25% Barbera
This is a fascinating blend of peppery cool climate Syrah, refreshing lean Mourvédre and the wild, tangy intensity of the Italian Barbera grape.
The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is also seriously on point and I also really loved their Rosé (I recently added it to my top 10 South Africa Rosé picks, go give it a read after this).
After the wine tasting, my hunger levels needed attention. My partner and myself shared a delicious country platter accompanied with homemade slices of bread and relishes. It was so satisfying we decide not to opt for a full-on lunch, which means I now have to go back very soon to try their menu ~ the life of a Wine Fox is good!
Restaurant
Farm to fork, healthy country styled cuisine made with ingredients sourced from their kitchen herb & vegetable garden and local suppliers.
The Restaurant serves breakfasts from 08h00, lunches until 16h00 and wine tastings until 17h00
(Will update this with more information soon, as still need to try the restaurant out)
Family Friendly
Yes, there's a very cool vine maze to explore and a game of croquet to be had.
Well known for
Cool Climate wines
Hidden Gem
Art gallery
Restaurant serving healthy country-style cuisine
Accommodation
Events and conference facilities
Accommodation Yes, 4 star accredited South Hill Vineyards offers a luxury farm-stay experience with two accommodation options – enjoy one of six luxurious, spacious rooms in their Guest House; or relax in the tranquil, romantic one bedroom Pumphouse Honeymoon Cottage.
Facilities Events and conference facilities
Opening times Restaurant Mon - Sun: 8:00- 16:00
Wine Tasting Mon - Sun: 8:00- 17:00
Watch a short Video clip to see more of South Hill
I'm so thrilled I discovered South Hill, it's now one of my favourites in the Elgin Valley. I definitely see loads of return visits to its doors for lazy lunches and many a bottle of wine shared between close friends.
If you decided to go visit South Hill after reading this please tag the.wine.fox in your Instagram posts ~ I love seeing your adventures
Till next time Wine Warriors...may the wine force be with you! 🦊🍷