the
iona story
THE LOCATION
At the Southern tip of Africa, along the Cape South Coast is South Africa’s coolest climate wine region, Elgin Valley. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at an altitude of 420m along the Southern ridge lies the unique Iona vineyards. Surrounded by 3000 ha of the UNESCO certified Kogelberg Biosphere, which contains 1600 plant species, making it the most florally diverse region of the planet, per unit area.
The Iona Phenomenon
A unique phenomenon happens at Iona. The combination of the short distance from the freezing Atlantic Ocean and the rapid increase in altitude causes the prevailing summer South East wind to roll across the vines, forming misty clouds that blanket the farm on warm days.
This protects the grapes from the African sun – allowing filtered sunlight into the canopy – resulting in SLOW ripening with perfect acidity, moderate alcohol and beautifully developed flavours.
THE IONA CLIMATE
Our permanent weather station confirms we are Winkler 2 with a few notable advantages:
Half the rainfall of Burgundy in the growing season.
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A relatively warm spring and autumn with no frost, reliable budding and a longer ripening period from flowering to harvesting.
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No more than 30 hours above 30° in any growing season. The vines never shut down due to high temperatures.
THE IONA SOIL
Iona is situated on the last remaining portion of an ancient river valley formed during the post-glacial geomorphic activity. The soils are essentially gravel beds derived from decomposed Table Mountain sandstone, sedimentary deposits and quartzites.
The soil provides the opportunity for the vines to penetrate the deep clay underlay providing moisture and eliminating water stress.
THE IONA FARMING PHILOSOPHY
We own and farm all our vineyards as we believe GREAT WINES are grown in the vineyard.
Composting, physical weed removal, use of beneficial insects and bacteria, raptor poles, vine collars, cover crops between the rows and ground covers below the vines are some of the SUSTAINABLE TECHNIQUES WE EMPLOY AT IONA.
THE WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
THE WINEMAKER IS THE CUSTODIAN OF THE FRUIT
Iona is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment such as the latest WILLMES PRESS, BUCHER DELTA OSCILLYS DE-STEMMER.
A deep trust in the way we farm, lends us to adopt natural winemaking practices in the cellar with minimum use of sulphur, commercial yeasts, enzymes, and filtration.
We aim to make WINES THAT PORTRAY THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH VINTAGE celebrating a true sense of place without over playing the winemaking hand.
THE IONA FAMILY
People are an integral part of our success. We have 20 families living on the farm with up to 35 years of service. All vineyard practices are done by hand. WORKERS ARE SHAREHOLDERS and receive pension funds, education and social support.
