our story

Vilafonté is the coming together of great wine experience from California and South Africa. The vision that brought together the three founding Vilafonté partners, is the culmination of a life-long dream. A uncompromising determination to produce wines which stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great wines of the world. Nothing less.

Our enduring philosophy of nurturing a culture of patience in the cellaring and enjoyment of our wine is honoured and facilitated by the terroir of our site – the artistry to create wines of elegant complexity, structure and longevity.

our vineyard

ancient footsteps

GPS 33° 47′ 38” S 18° 56′ 09” E

Founded in 1995, the 42ha estate on the bench of the Simonsberg Mountains with its unique vilafontes soils, served as the fuse to our vision. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec confirmed its affinity to the ancient soils that has been dated as being somewhere between 750 000 and 1.5mil years old. Planted at high density, these vines adhere to the exquisite struggle; encouraging smaller vines, lower yields and highly concentrated fruit. Vilafonté wines are exclusively from grapes grown on our property.

Although there is much variation in the climate of the Western Cape, the biggest influence on wine growing in South Africa is the presence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The cooling maritime influence has created what can be described as a Mediterranean climate. Wet and cold winters paired with long dry summers create an extremely favourable environment for the production of fine wine.

our wines

Founded in 1996, the 42ha estate on the bench of the Simonsberg Mountains, served as the fuse to our vision. The ancient vilafontes soils (approx 750 000- 1.5mil years old) on our estate defines our winegrowing philosophy. These healthy but nutrient deficient soils cradle the vines into producing wines, driven by character, purity and refinement with a perfect tension ubiquitous to each vintage produced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec are planted at high density, encouraging smaller vines, lower yields and highly concentrated fruit. Vilafonté wines are exclusively from grapes grown on our property.

series c

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc defines the style of this wine. Firm, powerful and concentrated; rich in fruit at release and blended for longevity. The Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested from our most revered blocks while the the Cabernet Franc aromatics display as hues of violet and elegance. Velvety in nature with primary red fruits, the Merlot block Z forms an integral part of this blend. Limited production.

series m

This sensuous wine embodies the refined style and dignified elegance produced by selected vines planted on our vilafontes soils. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec provides black fruit and a fleshy texture, while Merlot adds softness and red fruit. Each vintage; a snapshot of Mother Nature at Her best. Cellared and matured for enjoyment in years to come.

seriously old dirt by vilafonté

Every hectare of vine on Vilafonté is meticulously farmed and harvested, with an attention to detail and singular focus. This intense scrutiny, carried through to our blending process in the cellar results in certain barrels not fully utilized in the individual iconic Series wines. Our second label called Seriously Old Dirt is a wine named after our ancient vilafontes soils in which our vines have been growing for almost two decades.

membership

Series C and Series M will first be offered to our Membership upon release. Although signing up does not automatically give you immediate access to our preferential pricing for these wines, your name will be added to our waiting list to join. Your application will move to the active list as soon as a place becomes available.