The various regions of the S.A. West Coast

THE WEST COAST


Of Special Interest

Darling
Darling

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Dragonridge on Fynbos Estatedragonridge

DragonridgeFynbos Estate produces about 100 tonnes of grapes each year, about half of which is delivered to Swartland Winery. The remainder we use ourselves to produce small quantities of handcrafted wines under the DRAGONRIDGE label. The name Dragonridge was chosen because one of the mountains on the farm resembles a sleeping dragon and is named Dragonridge. We also like the connotation of potency and magic.

Our first wine (about 1700 bottles) was made in 2004 assisted by plenty of excited helpers. Feedback was excellent and in a short time the wine sold out. In 2005 we expanded our winery and bought a bottler, barrels and additional fermentation tanks, and in 2007 made 6,000 bottles for release in 2008. In 2008 we made about 10000 bottles. This quantity we hope to double over the next few years.

Dragonridge WinesThe Dragonridge philosophy is simple. Make wines that express the unique soils and microclimate of the farm in a way as close as possible to that of the early 1900s. This means unirrigated vineyards that are pruned and suckered to produce small yields of grapes with concentrated flavours. This in turn allows minimal use of sulphur, vinification with minimal interference and wherever possible, doing away with filtration. Our wines are released quite young, and because we press them relatively lightly, (450 litres per tonne vs.740 litres per tonne as in a commercial winery) our wines are unaggressive even when young, but reward cellaring.

We make two reds: a SANGIOVESE and JACK’S RED, a Pinotage/Shiraz/Mourvedre/Cabernet blend (our version of a Cape Blend). Our white is GALAXY, a blend of Chenin Blanc/ Chardonnay and Viognier, and we also make a dry rosé called COSMOS. In August we hold an OPEN DAY at which released wines can be tasted and various products are sold at stalls. All are welcome and lunch bookings can be made in advance. The date for 2008 is 2 August.

Cellars at Fynbos Estate - Dragonridge Wines During harvest WINE MAKING GETAWAYS have been a great success and will be repeated each year. Here groups or individuals book a weekend of hands-on wine making experience from picking to bottling, and enjoy all the benefits of comfortable accommodation and delicious food. Winemaking Getaways have worked wonderfully as TEAM BUILDING events and from 2009 we are offering day events for this purpose.

By arrangement throughout the year we offer GETAWAYS as day or overnight events. Here guests can enjoy wine tastings on the farm of Dragonridge Wines as will as the wines of similar small wineries in the area. A tour of larger wineries in the district can also be arranged. Meals and overnight accommodation are included. .Would you like to participate in a wine-making weekend or day at Fynbos from late January to mid-March 2009? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book your place

TEL: 022 487 1153
Open by appointment.
FAX: 022 487 1153 (telephone first)
MAIL: PO Box 526, Malmesbury, 7299
E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WEB www.dragonridge.co.za

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