OUR WINES
Our vineyards are 18 hectares in extent and the predominant Oakleaf and Clovelly soil types are ideally suited for the production of red wines. Soil tests were undertaken in March 2001 by Spine van Niekerk from Elsenburg Agricultural College, and in consultation with our viticulturist, the varietals were strategically planted according to the appropriate terroir. Lola’s passion for Bordeaux style wines led to the planting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Shiraz has also been planted in 2001 and the first wines were produced from this block in 2004.
Our vineyards are personally cared for and nurtured by Bertus de Clerk and his expert team.
Our farm’s annual production of grapes is approximately 150 tons, with 80% sold to wine producing cellars and the balance delivered to our own boutique cellar, resulting in about 25 to 30 thousand bottles of boutique wine produced annually. With adequate water we can increase our production without any loss in quality, and irrigation is managed scientifically using Aquacheck probes, which utilise an Aquawave GPRS unit that feeds into the Irricheck Irrigation system server every hour, providing irrigation recommendations every two hours. The resultant report allows us to produce for quality or for enhanced volume.
Our farming operations are conducted according to best farming practices, and adhere to The Guidelines for the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) as far as possible. The IPW system is one of the best, recognised internationally for its monitoring and statistical features from start to finish of the wine production process. All sprays used are registered agricultural sprays.
Bernard has been responsible for all project and operational management since launching this venture, and we have undertaken to farm and produce wine with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Lola worked at Warwick from 1988 through to mid-1994, when her and Bernard’s daughter, Jenny, was born. Warwick produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Trilogy (a blend of the aforementioned) and Chardonnay. She also worked for Jacques Seysses at Domain Dujac in Morey St. Denis (near Chevrey Chambertin) in Burgundy, in the 1989 season. Domain Dujac is well known for its Pinot Noir, and the wine is made from different growths, including first growth.
Our First Bordeaux Style Blend
This is red wine terroir, par excellence, and special care is taken in the vineyards through meticulously cultivating, pruning, and harvesting by hand. This careful approach extends to our small winery, where the wines are handcrafted and gently matured.
Alex Shone manages our wine tastings and assists Lola in the winery at critical times.
Our daughter Jenny studied Sports Science at the University of Stellenbosch and followed on to do a Diploma in Events Management at Aleit.
She will be bringing her expertise, by offering intimate weddings and events at Mitre’s Edge.
Luke, our eldest son graduated from IMM in Stellenbosch and joined the Mitre’s Edge team in 2021. He is responsible for marketing, as well as being involved in the cellar. Matthew, our youngest, is in his final year of Business Management and Logistics and will hopefully join us in the near future.