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Shannon Vineyards

Winery Description

Location and History

Shannon Vineyards is a boutique wine farm in the Elgin Valley committed to sustainable and ethical winemaking practices. It is also a steward of the land, dedicated to crafting fine wines while nurturing the terroir, which is strongly influenced by its geographical setting. Grapes come from the mountain hillside vineyards above the banks of the Peninsula Dam on the Palmiet River, which forms the eastern boundary of the farm.

This river and the nightly descent of cold air from the mountain peaks create a unique mesoclimate for the vineyards, enveloping them in a cold mist that symbolises Shannon Vineyards’ cool climate. This mist is not only a defining feature of the vineyard but also serves as a motif on their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir labels, celebrating the river’s contribution to the distinctive terroir.

Their commitment to reflecting the essence of the unique terroir extends through their meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices. Shannon Vineyards thrives under the stewardship of viticulturists Kevin Watt and James Downes, as well as winemakers Gordon Newton Johnson and Nadia Newton Johnson, who embrace a philosophy of minimal intervention. The team's expertise and passion for winemaking are evident in every bottle, producing wines renowned for their complexity, structure, and
elegance.

Wine Tasting

With 10 hectares under vine, Shannon focuses on cultivating Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Their operations are geared towards long-term conservation efforts, maintaining a balance that protects the environment and supports the diverse species inhabiting our land.

At Shannon Vineyards, guests are greeted with a selection of exceptional wines available for tasting. Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of offerings, including the Shannon Black 2018, RocknRolla 2023, Mount Bullet 2020, Oscar Browne 2022, and Elgin Pinot Noir 2023, among others. The tasting room provides an intimate and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy the wines while learning about the unique winemaking process and philosophy followed by the dedicated team. Each wine embodies the character of the vineyard's terroir, and tastings often include insights into the meticulous care involved in crafting the wines. The winery employs diverse fermentation methods and matures its wines in different types of oak barrels, ensuring a rich, complex flavour profile for each bottle. Whether seasoned wine enthusiasts or newcomers to the world of wine, all guests can enjoy a memorable experience that showcases the best of Shannon Vineyards.

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Contact Details

Shannon Vineyards & Wines, Rockview Dam Road, Elgin, South Africa

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