Warwick Estate

Sun-drenched and fruity, that's how the wines from Warwick Estate from South Africa present themselves. A winery that can look back on a long history and, according to the trade magazine "Wine and Spirits," is one of the top 100 wineries in the world. 

Authentic wines from the top of South Africa

This is mainly thanks to Norma Ratcliffe. She was the first woman to join the South African winemakers' guild Cape Winemakers Guild. Until 1991, she was cellarmaster at Warwick Estate for a long time. In 1964, she and her husband Stan Ratcliffe bought the farm and they first planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Soon they were convinced of the quality of the vines and over time Norma taught herself how to make wine. Fascinated, she was taught the techniques a little later in Bordeaux. The name Warwick Estate comes from William Alexander Gordon. He settled here at the beginning of the 20th century and named the place after his favorite regiment called Warwick. Today, it is important to the Ratcliffe family to produce authentic and natural wines. For this purpose, insecticides are completely avoided and only fertilizers from nature are used for cultivation. 

All around spoiled grapes

The terroir is located at the foot of the Simonsberg and contributes greatly to the quality of the wines. During periods of great heat, the surrounding rivers are a good source of moisture. The grapes ripen on the south-facing slopes at an average of 28 °C, producing full fruit aromas. Numerous grape varieties are grown at Warwick Estate. However, the focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon and Savignon Blanc. Other varieties include the South African

• Pinotage
• Cabernet Franc
• Chardonnay
• Merlot and
• Shiraz. 

With innovation to the top of the world - Warwick Estate Winery

Norma Ratcliffe and her son Mike, together with the Cape Blend cuvees, brought forth a new breed of Cape wines. The wines of Warwick Estate are reluctant to be subordinated by food and are quite independent. With the Warwick Estate we are not talking about classic menu wines, even if they can be combined well. Wine lovers and wine critics are already convinced of the quality and taste of the Warwick trilogy of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The red wines are full of character and have an impressive body. At the same time, heavy aromas of ripe berries and chocolate stand out. Today, Mike Ratcliffe runs the winery and has brought it to the top of the world wineries with a lot of innovation.