Vilafonté is the realisation of a dream shaped by collaboration, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Born decades ago from the partnership between Michael Ratcliffe, Dr. Zelma Long (formerly of Mondavi & Simi), and Dr. Phil Freese (formerly of Opus One), it merges a long-standing friendship and shared vision, combining decades of expertise from South Africa and California. The original Vilafonté dream was to create a wine from Africa’s remarkable ancient terroir, one that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest wines in the world.
Co-founder and owner of Vilafonté, Michael Ratcliffe has been instrumental in shaping its legacy. Twice nominated for the Wine Star Award for Global Innovator of the Year, his leadership has greatly impacted both Vilafonté and the broader South African wine industry.
A founding Trustee of the Cape Wine Auction, he holds key leadership roles as Chairman of both the Stellenbosch Wine Route and Visit Stellenbosch. Under his guidance, Vilafonté was awarded the title of ‘Global Outstanding Winery of the Year’ by the International Wine and Spirits Competition in both 2021 and 2024. He is also the founder and Chairman of Wine Business Advisors, a leading global advisory firm. A graduate of Adelaide University’s pioneering wine marketing program, Michael is a respected speaker and industry strategist, offering rare insight into the intersection where tradition meets innovation.
His commitment to family runs deep. Along with his wife, Pip, they’ve raised two daughters, Eve and Rose, alongside six dogs, three cats, and fifteen chickens.
Co-founder and Managing Partner of the joint US/South African venture Vilafonté since 2001. Mike has been nominated for the Wine Star Award for Global Innovator of the Year in 2015 and then again in 2017. Mike is founding Trustee of the Cape Wine Auction and has held numerous leadership positions. He graduated in the first wine marketing class at Adelaide University and is an international wine judge, public speaker, industry commentator, social media maven and marketing trendsetter.
— 33° 47′ 38” S 18° 56′ 09” E —
The dream took root in the ancient vilafontes soils, one of the oldest documented soil types on earth, dating between 750,000 and 1.5 million years. Untouched by glaciation, volcanic activity, or sedimentary layers, this terroir is home to the discovery of pre Stone Age tools belonging to Homo Ergaster. It is a landscape of unbroken continuity, a quiet testament to the passage of time. A deep connection to history imbues our wines with an unmistakable character, clarity, and tension, qualities that define every vintage we create.
Planted in low-potential soils at high density, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec demonstrate a natural affinity to this terroir. The vines endure a remarkable struggle, yielding smaller clusters and fruit of exceptional concentration. The Vilafonté wines produced from these unique berries authentically express the power and purity of this singular land, which continues to reveal its secrets, vintage after vintage. Further shaped by the influence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, alongside a Mediterranean-style climate of cold, wet winters and long, dry summers, these conditions test the resilience of the vines, resulting in wines of depth and complexity.
Before the creation of the Series wines, Vilafonté’s original vision was to craft a single wine that embodied the ideal growing conditions of the vineyard, a wine capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the finest in the world. However, as the vineyard matured, winemaking partner Dr. Zelma Long discovered something remarkable. The vineyard yielded two distinct, yet equally exceptional styles of wine, each capturing a unique expression of our land.
This revelation gave rise to series c and series m, wines born from the same soil, yet shaped by different interpretations of power and grace. Together, they reflect the dual nature of our vineyard’s potential, an evolution of our pursuit of excellence, rather than a departure from it.
Seriously Old Dirt was originally conceived in 2012, as a classic ‘second wine’ in the Bordeaux tradition. It is a rich reflection of the ancient soils from which it emerges, a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend created to honour the land.
An uncompromising attitude towards quality defines Vilafonté. Our customers ultimately remain the sole custodians of our reputation. We judge ourselves against the international investment grade wine market, but here alone quality is not enough. The most demanding wine collectors seek pedigree, desirability and historical propensity to retain and accumulate value. Vilafonté will strive to consistently emulate these traits to compete in this demanding market.
