South Africa’s true cool-climate wine region
At La Brune, we are very privileged to grow and produce wine in what is South Africa’s only true cool-climate wine region. From budburst to harvest, there is a mere 0.5 ˚C difference in temperature compared to that in Burgundy.
The most popular wine-growing regions in South Africa are dry and warm; thus, the cool climate of the Elgin Valley is truly unique. The cool growing conditions allow us to produce wines with freshness, elegance, purity of fruit and longevity.
The complexity of Winemaking in a cool-climate Region
When we speak about cool-climate regions, we are not just speaking about temperature. Many different components come together to
create a delicate system that keeps the vines cool. One of the cooling factors is that the Elgin Valley is completely surrounded by mountains. These mountains form valleys, and these valleys boast different microclimates.
atlantic sea breeze
As the crow flies, Elgin Valley is only 15 km from the ocean. This means that the cool ocean air is carried into the Elgin Valley via the south–east wind and eventually comes to rest here. The ocean breeze also brings with it much needed humidity. Humidity is incredibly important to winemaking in the Elgin Valley because the moisture in the air settles on the grapes, drawing out any unwanted heat. This ensures that the fruit on the vines remains cool, preserving their unique character.
Possibly the most unique factor is cloud cover. As the Elgin Valley heats up in the daytime the warm air rises, and as soon as the cool air from the ocean rushes into the valley it pushes the warm air upwards. This creates wonderful cloud-cover, protecting our vines from the harsh African sun.
All of these factors come together in different ratios and intensities each year, creating uniquely different vintages—each with their own stunning personality.
Elgin Valley Wine Producers
There are only 18 wine producers based in the Elgin Valley. We are small to medium sized growers that focus mainly on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. All the wineries in Elgin are family owned, and in almost all instances the owner is the viticulturist, winemaker and sales person. This creates a sense of community that is unique compared to the rest of the wine industry. It adds a personal touch which creates a Burgundian village feel in our community.