Iona is South Africa's coolest vineyard. Our first vineyards were planted in 1998, and research confirmed that with harvesting times up to 8 weeks later than other Cape wine producing areas, Iona was unique. For example, our Sauvignon blanc is harvested in March and the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in April.

It has been called the one piece of South African land resembling Bordeaux, but with the advantage over Bordeaux of 50% less rain in the harvesting months, a slightly warmer April (equal to October in Bordeaux) and an average growing season temperature of 17,5°C. This cool climate ensures long, slow ripening of the grapes under ideal growing conditions, with the sugar, pH, acid and flavour compounds in balance to produce elegant and refined wines.