Hamilton Russell Vineyards
"Individuality and expression of origin."
Anthony Hamilton Russell
In southern South Africa, in the "Hemel-en-Aarde" valley (heaven and earth), what outstanding Pinot and top Chardonnay need comes together: less fertile clay and slate soils, mild temperatures, cool winds, long vegetation phases. And: a winemaker who understands that the grape varieties are there to express the terroir - not the other way round.
in 1975, Tim Hamilton Russell acquired the undeveloped 170-hectare property in search of the best conditions for cold-climate wines. 16 years later, his son Anthony took over, giving the entire business an even stronger focus. From then on, they concentrated on Pinot and Chardonnay and vinified only grapes they had produced themselves. in 1994, comprehensive soil analyses were carried out and all plantings were directed towards the 52 hectares of clay and slate soil identified in order to further improve quality.
photos: Hamilton Russell Vineyards