Cape Chamonix

Cape Chamonix was founded in the early 1990's by German-born entrepreneur Chris Hellinger on the eastern slopes of the Franschhoek Valley, right in the heart of South Africa's Cape winelands. The historic farm dates back to 1688, and was formally part of La Cotte, one of the original farms granted to Huguenots fleeing persecution in France. [Franschhoek means “French Corner” in Dutch]. Judge Malan built the main homestead in 1947, and the property was known as Waterval, but it was the Pickering family in the mid 1960's who changed the name of the farm to Chamonix because the stunning landscape reminded them of the town in the Haute-Savoie region of France, where they had once enjoyed a holiday. When Hellinger purchased the farm it was principally a fruit farm, but he replanted it with noble French grape varieties. A proponent of sustainable practices, they use organic compost, and green harvesting which results in lower yields, ensuring that the vineyards are not overproduced. They also take a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, making use of spontaneous fermentation and no acidification. They have around 50 hectares under vine on stony clay-rich soils; some of these vines are the highest planted in the Cape. Cape Chamonix have exploded onto the world stage as a highly regarded producer, and they are regularly awarded 5 Stars in the Platter's Wine Guide for their premium range of internationally acclaimed wines which show the individuality and character of the Cape.