The Smorthwaite family has been making wine at Abingdon since the early 2000s. Ian and Jane bought the farm in 2000, planted its first vines four years later and opened the tasting room in 2009. Their daughter Laurie joined them later.
Situated at 1 140m above sea level, the estate has 4ha under vine. This area has more in common with regions like the Loire and Rhone in France than the Cape but the area is unique. The cultivars planted are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and 3 reds, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo. The soils offer good drainage and the wines reflect the cool slopes upon which the cultivars are planted and they have an Old World style. The uniqueness of this terroir can be tasted in the glass – crisp, fresh, elegant.
Abingdon generally doesn’t enter its wine for competitions. However, just three South African Viognier wines were rated by the UK’s Decanter magazine in 2013 and Abingdon was one of two to receive a bronze medal. Their reds are making headlines!
There is a cosy tasting room with bric- a- brac and fires blazing or on warm days, sitting out under the trees with the vines around is heaven. It feels like Franschoek but with the KZN friendly, laid back vibe and a smaller bill at the end!
You can taste everything as long as its not sold out. Their wines sell out every year as they only produce small quantities. Wine releases are staggered except for the reds, as a way of avoiding disappointment at the tasting room. They also serve guest wines to supplement their own.
Update: From the 20th March, we will remain open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays only for the next three weeks. Please join us at one of our outside tables where we will ensure your safe distance from other guests remains a priority
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