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James McKenzie's beautiful house near Wellington and Nabygelegen's fully restored cellar |
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NABYGELEGEN VINEYARD Wellington
James McKenzie
Originally from Johannesburg, James Mckenzie left the world of banking and acquired the historic farm Nabygelegen vineyard in 2001.
2002 was the first vintage under his ownership and the wines are already gaining world class status. James believes that wine is not “made” it is “grown” and every assistance is given to the vines to allow them to give small, concentrated crops. James also has a commitment to ethical employment and works closely with his staff to provide them with continual development.
When we met James, although busy with harvest and a first attempt at Grappa production, he was keen to show us round his winery and allowed us to sample this years wines, of course still in vat.
James sells an amazing amount to his wine loving friends in the UK and
Step Up Wines are fortunately able to stock this exclusive and hard to
obtain wine.
The Estate
Nabygelegen is a truly stunning place! Located in the Boveli “upper valley” just outside the town of Wellington, the farm dates back to the early 1700's when it grew fruit and vegetables to supply the Capes' shipping lanes. Dating back even further, there is evidence of iron age man having inhabited the site, with many artefacts such as hand axes and stone implements having been found.
The climate is similar to that of the rest of the Cape characterised by long hot summers, and short cold, wet winters. However Nabygelegen enjoys its own microclimate, with protection from storm and wind by the Limietberg Mountains.
A deep red stony soil combined with a Glen Rossa granitic soil, allow vines to push roots very deep. Test pits have revealed some roots at more than
four metres.
Click here to visit the Nabygelegen Vineyards site
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