Slaley

The farm is situated on the western slopes of Simonsberg in the Stellenbosch area, which is characterised by a moderate climate. Rainfall is about 700mm/year and mostly falls in the winter months. Vineyards are planted at an altitude of 300 to 400m and we benefit from the cooling effects of the Southerly breezes coming in from False Bay. Plant density is between 3300 & 4000 vines/ha yielding aggregate crops of between 6 and 8 ton/ha.

The farm is situated on the western slopes of Simonsberg in the Stellenbosch area, which is characterised by a moderate climate. Rainfall is about 700mm/year and mostly falls in the winter months. Vineyards are planted at an altitude of 300 to 400m and we benefit from the cooling effects of the Southerly breezes coming in from False Bay. Plant density is between 3300 & 4000 vines/ha yielding aggregate crops of between 6 and 8 ton/ha.

Close communication between cellar and vineyard as led by Marius Malan - Winemaker and Farming General manager - will ensure we achieve our objectives of offering the best value wines through the mid to high price range. Only single varietal wine, from our very finest vineyards are eligible for Slaley, although we do make an exception in the former, in the case of Bordeaux, as it is such a classic blend.

Winemakers of Slaley have a high degree of self-determination in winemaking. I do not want to reduce them to the level of Food Technologists as is happening in many of the bigger corporates. It enables me to appoint winemakers of passion.

After 1998 according to the wishes of my father, his land holdings were split between his three children with Slaley and Ernita coming to me.

I am grateful for the advantages flowing from the efforts of my ancestors and intend creating a presence around Slaley worthy of my heritage.

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