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 hillcrest farm - Malmesbury - the home of Abbott's hill Wines
What makes Hillcrest Estate truly special is its location. Any wine lover or winemaker knows that
location is single most important factor in determining wine quality.
Hillcrest Estate is nestled high up in the Tygerberg Hills (Durbanville ward). Our vineyards stretch from about 240m right up to 400m above sea level. Our red varieties are planted on the lower slopes, while our favourite Sauvignon blanc vineyard brushes the 400m mark at the top of the hill.Besides elevation, our proximity to the icy Atlantic Ocean also has a major cooling influence on our micro-climate.
 Our slopes have a West to North West orientation, so the view over the ocean from our ineyards is breathtaking. During the summer months our vineyards are constantly cooled by sea breezes. By day the famous Cape Doctor (South East wind) does its cooling work, while by night a gentle but cold on-shore Westerly breeze comes off the Atlantic. Of course these cool conditions, combined with hours of afternoon sun, make Hillcrest the ideal location for growing elegant, fruit driven wines.
 Hillcrest Estate was purchased in 1984 to accommodate the head office and workshop of Haw & Inglis, a Cape based Construction Company. The potential for growth of quality wine and olives was soon recognized, and the owners decided to plant Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The Durbanville Hills winery was established during that time, so a contact to sell the fruit to that winery was signed.
In 2001 the owners or Hillcrest Estate were approached by Dr Graeme Read (current cellar-master), who with the dream of a micro-cellar in his mind, persuaded them to start their own small cellar and make wine using the estate’s grapes. They liked the idea, and soon a farm shed was converted into a rudimentary cellar. That following season 8 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes were pressed, thus 2002 is the maiden vintage for both Hillcrest and Graeme Read.
The quality of that first vintage was such that it was decided to build a new cellar. Since then productionhas gradually increased to 50 tons. There are no plans in place to increase production. Quality beats quantity at Hillcrest.
P.O. Box 433, malmesbury, 7299
Tel: 022 485 7080; Fax: 022 485 7080
E-mail:
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Website:http://www.hillcrestfarm.co.za/
Open By appointment only.
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